MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falklands' museum heritage adds 19th century port of Stanley painting

Former Governors David Tatham, Donald Lamont and Museum Director Leona Roberts display the painting - Pic Peter Pepper

Falkland Islands Museum Director Leona Roberts will be carrying a unique and valuable artistic insight into Falklands history when she returns to Stanley.

 Mrs. Roberts joined members of the Friends of the Falkland Islands Museum and Jane Cameron National Archives (known as FIMA Friends) at the offices of Grosvenor philatelic auctioneers on The Strand in London, where she was officially presented with a gouache painting of the port of Stanley by the renowned Italian born 19th Century marine artist Eduardo De Martino.

The artist, who visited the Falklands while serving with the Italian Navy almost exactly 150 years ago, painted a highly detailed image of Stanley as it was just a few decades after work began on the capital.

By owning a De Martino work the Falklands Museum will be in good company, because the artist became a favorite of the British Royal family and several of his works are included in the Buckingham Palace art collection.

The painting was found by FIMA Friends' President and former Falklands Governor David Tatham, who attended the presentation with Chairman (and fellow Falklands past Governor) Donald Lamont.

It had been in the possession of the Blake family for many years, and with the help of Blakes still living in the Falklands, David was able to trace it to Elisabeth Bamford who although being very fond of the painting agreed that it belonged in the Faklands.

Mrs Roberts said that she is looking forward to putting the painting on display in the museum and is hoping to hold a formal launch for this latest exhibit so that as many people as possible are encouraged to come and see it. (Penguin News)