Malta’s Post-War Watercolours: History on Postcards

Unveiling Malta’s Post-War History: Watercolours on Postcards

Imagine strolling along Republic Street in the heart of Valletta, the sun casting a warm glow on the historic buildings. Now, picture this: you’re not in the present, but in the late 1940s, the city still bearing the scars of World War II. This was the Malta that inspired a unique art form – watercolour postcards.

From Ruins to Canvas

Post-war Malta was a canvas of devastation and resilience. Artists, many of them soldiers and sailors stationed here, picked up their brushes to capture the island’s spirit. They didn’t have canvas or oil paints, but they had watercolours and postcard paper. Thus, a unique art form was born.

These artists weren’t just creating souvenirs; they were documenting history. They painted bombed-out buildings, makeshift shelters, and the everyday life of Maltese people amidst the ruins. Their work is a visual diary of Malta’s post-war recovery.

Preserving a Piece of History

Today, these watercolour postcards are rare finds, hidden in albums and drawers across the globe. Some have made their way into local collections, like that of Malta’s National Museum of Fine Arts. But many more are out there, waiting to be discovered.

For local enthusiasts like Tony Attard, these postcards are more than just art. “They’re a piece of our history,” he says, “a tangible reminder of what we went through and how we rebuilt.” Tony has been collecting these postcards for years, sharing his findings on his blog, Malta in Postcards.

If you’re interested in owning a piece of Malta’s post-war history, keep an eye out at local antique shops and markets. You might find a watercolour postcard waiting to tell its story. And who knows? You might just become a part of preserving Malta’s unique artistic heritage.