Fonds PDE_0029 - The Vincenzo Maria Pellegrini Collection

Vincenzo Maria Pellegrini was born in Valletta (Malta), on the 12th April 1911. He was educated at the Gozo Seminary, then at the Lyceum, Malta, where he had his first studies in Art under Giuseppe Duca (1871-1946) and from where he passed to the University of Malta and graduated as Notary Public and as Doctor of Laws in 1937.

Upon entering university in 1931, he started writing poems, novels, essays, literary studies, articles on art in English, Italian and Maltese many of these appeared in several magazines and publications both locally and abroad. In fact, although he was a notary by profession, he was also a poet, author, playwright, translator of literary works, opera and cantata librettist, and painter.

Pellegrini was a patron of the Arts. He encouraged and promoted young and established artists, poets, writers, and musicians. He was also known beyond the Maltese shores. He founded the Institute for Cultural Exchanges, where he organised art exhibitions, music recitals and cultural talks. He was a founding member with Josef Kalleya (1898-1997) of 'La Scuola del Nudo' and the 'Societa di Belle Arti'. He became more aggressive in his promotion of Maltese Art when he founded the 'Institute for Cultural Exchanges'. He organised exhibitions not only of established artists but also of students who were still studying abroad. Dr. Pellegrini continued painting even in his old age and participated in the Maltafest 1996 Summer Exhibition (which was to be his last), when he exhibited his painting 'Alpha II.'

Pellegrini was also a member of the Manoel Theatre management committee (1960-1971) when it was restored and brought back to life in the 1950s-60s.

Apart from all this Dr. Pellegrini wrote profusely on Maltese art in leading local and foreign newspapers and magazines. Indeed during his life he published over forty books and has left a large number of unpublished works.

Vincenzo Maria Pellegrini died on October 1, 1997.