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Artist Frank Portelli

Frank Portelli was born in 1922 and died in 2004 at the age of 82. In 1952, Portelli married to Rosa Attard and together they had three children, Henri, Simone and Sharonne.

At the age of thirteen, he started attending the School of Arts in Valletta where he studied under the Caruana Dingli brothers, Edward and Robert. During the war years, he was drafted into the Royal Air Force and was stationed first at Luqa and then at Ta' Kandja. In 1947, he distinguished himself when he sat for his final examinations at the School of Art. Infact, Portelli earned a scholarship at the Kennington College of Art in England. In 1950, he returned to Malta and he became an important artist; his works were symbolic and something fresh, in times were Malta was seeking its own national identity. In 1951, Frank Portelli was the first secretary of the Modern Art Circle. In 1952, The Modern Art Circle exhibits its works at Palazzo de la Salle.

Portelli's art reflects his personality to new challenges. His work consisted of various styles; cubicism and impressionism and later on contours. His main paintings were about St Francis of Assisi. In the late 70s, Portelli was trusted in the entire decorative scheme for the Sanctuary of St Therese of Lisieux at Birkirkara. His remarkable work is the decorating of the dome and the pendentives of the Basilica of Senglea.

Frank Portelli was not only an artis, but also an interior designer. His works include hotels, nightspots, churches and private residences. He was also a designer of murals, postage stamps, posters,floats and masks for Carnival.

In December 2001, this remarkable artist received the medal of Gieh ir-Republika from the Maltese President as an appreciation for his contribution in art.

In 2011, Portelli's family donated part o his collection to the Fine Arts Auction in aid of l-iStrina.