George Borg (1906-1983) : a critical appreciation and a gazetteer of his surviving works

Abstract

The research undertaken attempts to analyse the works left by George Borg (1906-1983) and to provide a Gazetteer of these works. A cross section of Borg's works has been selected which provides a good sample of Borg's works. This long essay has a section devoted to the artist's training in Malta and another devoted to his studies in Rome. The Roman experience was an important influence on the artist and that is why it was felt that a section should be devoted to his time spent in Rome. Part of this dissertation has been devoted to Borg's importance as a teacher at the Malta School of Art and other government schools. Also his contribution to various art associations has been discussed and their importance to the local art scene in general. Borg has helped train some of Malta' s most prominent sculptors of the 20th century 1 and it could be said that maybe his influence as an artist did not have a major impact on Maltese art but his influence as a teacher can be said to be still felt today. Once he began his teaching career he devoted more time to his students rather than promoting his own works. From the research undertaken, it has been concluded that Borg had done many works before and while he was in Rome and the immediate post Rome years. So there was special emphasis on the works that Borg produced during these periods because it was during this time that Borg produced the largest number of works. The part devoted to his post Roman period was divided in a thematic manner so as to be able to appreciate and to analyse the works as a whole. A section concentrates on portraiture were a study is made of various busts and heads executed by Borg through out his career.