Perry founder exhibits rare Oscar Wilde collection

“With an evening coat and a white tie, as you told me once, anybody, even a stock-broker, can gain a reputation for being civilised” – Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray

Last weekend an elegant and distinguished crowd, among whom were scholars of the arts, descended over the two-night event organised by the “The Storm Petrel Foundation” to honour a man who left behind him an extraordinary legacy of life in the public eye, a literary genius and possibly the most celebrated playwright of all time – Oscar Wilde (1854-1900).

The first evening began with the much-anticipated opening of The Storm Petrel Foundation exhibition house at 79 Triq San Anton, Attard – a beautifully renovated traditional, Maltese Townhouse whose trustees sought to painstakingly restore into a place where artists and collectors could showcase their work and collections. Guests were greeted by members of the trustees namely event organiser Mrs. Bernie Mizzi who, quoting Ivan V. Lalic (poet) captioned the inauguration “Places we love we can never leave.”

Within the ornate rooms of the house painted in rich hues, distinct wire-door shelving and glass display cabinets stood the private collection of our company director Mr. Francis Spiteri Paris entitled “Vanities”. The title holds true the meaning of each historical artefact, book, letter and lithograph displayed in these splendid surroundings that could transport the onlooker back to the fashionable age of late Victorian England.

There, hanging on the walls you will encounter the great Queen Victoria who reigned at the time of Oscar Wilde’s life and the merciless judge who sentenced him to two years hard labour ultimately leading to his death in 1900, as well as other prolific characters such as Wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill who were connected with Wilde whether through direct or indirect relations.

Following on from the tour of the house and the viewing of the exhibit, guests were escorted to the romantic gardens and grandiose interior of Villa Bologna which played host to this already glowing event. A glass marquee was set up with rows of white linen covered chairs to welcome the guests and there, projected onto a large screen, the image of Wilde in all his fashionable glory.

Guest speakers included British Film scholar Professor Ian Christie and Professor Salvu Catania of the University of Malta who shared their knowledge of Wilde film adaptations while on Sunday Professor Ivan Callus (and member of the trustees of The Storm Petrel Foundation) opened the evening by paying tribute to those involved in this truly memorable occasion and shedding light on the topic of collecting Oscar Wilde. Callus’s wonderful introduction set the stage for the man of the night  Mr. Francis Spiteri Paris who eloquently spoke of his private collections and prepared guests for his forthcoming book publication. His warmly received address was immediately followed by a speech about “Wilde and the Aesthetic Movement” by Dr.Maria Frendo further highlighting our appreciation for Mr. Spiteri Paris’s meticulous and historical collection in this never-before-seen exhibit which continues to capture international attention. Viewing of the exhibition is currently open to the public until May 2017.

The Storm Petrel Foundation (79, Triq San Anton, Attard). For enquiries on individual, group, guided visits or events, please contact by email on info@stormpetrelfoundation.org

Or visit The Storm Petrel Foundation website by clicking here or their Facebook page here

You may also call Romaine Petrocochino of The Storm Petrel Foundation directly on (+356) 99405027

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