Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1539398
7 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 5 SEPTEMBER 2025 CULTURE Bugeja Istituto Tecnico Vincenzo Bugeja workshops Institute for boys but also the Conservatorio for girls." The Vincenzo Bugeja Work- shops were established in 1903 by the Marchese Vincenzo Buge- ja and were intended to train young boys in woodworking and metalworking in a system of ap- prenticeships. Although they have not been in use for some years, they are still in a very good condition thanks to the Vincen- zo Bugeja Foundation dedication and care. The Marquis, born on 16th February 1821, was a renowned businessman whose wealth came from inheritance, investments, and fortune. Known as the "Mal- tese Matador" for his success in the Monte Carlo and Hamburg casinos, he used his fortune for the betterment of society". In his address, Chairperson of the Vincenzo Bugeja Foundation, Andrew Mamo, recalled that "in 1873, Bugeja presented his vision of a Conservatorio for poor girls to Pope Pius IX, receiving his blessing. In fact, he then devoted his vast wealth to philantropic purposes building the Conserv- atorio Vincenzo Bugeja for poor girls". The Conservatorio dedicat- ed to supporting young women was established on 18th May 1880 and was founded with the mission to house, educate, and protect young women facing dif- ficult circumstances. Moreover, Mamo added that "the Marquis also established the Istituto Vin- cenzo Bugeja which housed the first technical school in Malta, later known as San Filippo Neri". The workshops within this Insti- tute still hold the machinery that was installed at that time. During the same evening, James Licari, a professional restorer and conservator, gave a brief out- line of the work and life of Vin- cenzo Bugeja and on the institu- tions that he created. Licari said the "on 6 April 1876, Bugeja was created Knight of the Garter by Prince Edward of Wales during his stop in Malta on his way back from India. He had also been made Marquis by Pope Leo XIII". Futhermore, Licari added that "during the latter half of the nineteenth century he was often in the forefront of local politics. As a member of the Council of Government, member of the Re- form party, Bugeja made various amendments in the criminal and commercial laws which brought relieving reforms to the various needy sectors of the Maltese so- ciety". Bugeja married Annette, born in Naples in 1830 and daughter of soprano Camilla Darbois. She lived much of her life in Malta, sharing her husband's passion for charity and social reform. To- gether they dedicated their lives to improving the well-being of young people. Both founders are buried in the chapel of the Conservatorio, leaving behind a legacy of gener- osity and compassion. The Istituto Vincenzo Bugeja was designed by the renowned Maltese Architect Emanuele Galizia. Tools manufactured by the students and made use of in the workshop