The Malta Yearbook 1974

I decided to flick through this book mainly out of a sense of nostalgia – to see the old adverts, old telephone numbers, shops and services that have long disappeared. But as I landed squarely on a page of philately illustrating some of Emvin Cremona’s designs, I thought it would be interesting to show this, in conjunction with his Glass Collage Series exhibition currently on show at the Victor Pasmore Gallery.
Emvin Cremona (1919-1987) was one of the most prominent and most formidable of the Maltese modern artists. An incredible draughtsman and designer who injected the same energy into the design of a stamp as he did into that of an altarpiece. His angular figures and objects executed in bright prime colours brought a fresh appreciation of modern painting, especially within the Church.
In the span of twenty years Cremona created circa 170 stamp designs – an outstanding achievement resulting in international recognition. His first set of stamps, a George Cross set of three, was designed in 1957 to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the George Cross award. They portray the defence of Malta, searchlights over Malta and bombed buildings on green, red and brown respectively. In 1972 Malta introduced the decimal currency system, and the stamp set featured in this book shows the first decimal definitive set that replaced the 1965 one. Cremona’s striking depictions of life on the Maltese Islands are bold and colourful, with elements of abstraction and cubism, and portray archaeology, history, folklore, industry, fisheries, pottery, agriculture, sport, yachting, feasts, regatta, voluntary services, education, religion and armorial ensigns – a set of 15 stamps.
Currently on display at the Victor Pasmore Gallery (16 May to 12 July 2025) are Cremona’s Glass Collages. These are incredibly striking and deeply moving abstract works in mixed media – a product of the artist’s versatile and experimental abilities as well as their historical backdrop – Malta in the turbulent 60s.
Pasmore and Cremona were friends and artistic inspirations to each other. Some film footage from the Victor Pasmore Archives shows the two artists looking through a series of Cremona’s prints – discussing, deliberating, sharing their thoughts and ideas.

In 2018, Victor Pasmore’s children, John Henry Pasmore and Mary Ellen Nice, donated over 500 books and exhibition catalogues to the University of Malta, Archives and Rare Books Department. The Victor Pasmore Gallery is open to visitors at APS House, 274 St Paul Street, Valletta.