RELOCATING THE VICTOR PASMORE GALLERY

BACK IN SEPTEMBER 2015, FONDAZZJONI PATRIMONJU MALTI TOOK OVER THE MANAGEMENT OF THE VICTOR PASMORE GALLERY WITH THE INTENTION OF BRINGING TO LIGHT THE IMPORTANCE OF PASMORE AND THE MALTESE MODERN MOVEMENT.

Victor Pasmore (1908–1998) has long been considered the leading protagonist of the British abstract movement – a trend he experimented with and developed throughout his long artistic career. Fortunately for us, Pasmore relocated to Malta in 1966, eventually leaving behind this outstanding collection of works which traces his transition from relief-painting and constructions, to painting.

In March 2020, with the onset of the pandemic, the Victor Pasmore Gallery closed its doors to the public one last time. The collection was then housed at the Polverista Gallery – an annexe to the Central Bank of Malta in Valletta. As museums and galleries worldwide began to shut their doors, here at FPM the search was on for new and larger premises that would not only house the Pasmore collection, but would also have the space to host other artworks by Maltese artists, thus putting Pasmore and the local modern art scene into context.

In September 2021, FPM entered into an agreement with APS Bank whereby the Foundation was given use of the bank’s former main office, APS House, in Valletta. Works on this historical palazzo commenced almost immediately – an extensive and laborious job involving the restoration of original features, a gallery lighting system, office space, and so forth. The result promises to be an outstanding art and cultural hub of international standard, ensuring an optimal experience for visitors.

As works on the premises are almost complete, the Foundation has launched a new website for the gallery that not only provides a calendar of events, but also informative documentation on Pasmore and his Maltese contemporaries, academic papers, interviews, and strong visual content.

The Victor Pasmore Gallery is set to open towards the end of 2023. But, before that the space will be launched with FPM’s forthcoming exhibition opening at the new premises in September of this year. This exhibition that has been years in the making – In Search of Line, delves into one of history of art’s greatest subjects of exploration: the line, which has manifested itself in many ways, from drawing to weaving, writing, singing and storytelling. FPM aims to break down the line to its core elements, exploring the artist’s drive to create and represent images, meanings, and emotions through line.

For more information, please visit www.victorpasmoregallery.com

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