Book honouring legacy of late Kalkara photographer Emanuel Borg launched
Publication combines biographical research with a strong photographic selection that captures Kalkara from an insider's perspective
A publication commemorating a late photographer from Kalkara and his oeuvre was launched by the Assoċjazzjoni Wirt il-Kalkara at the town’s parish hall on April 24.
More than a coffee-table volume, Emanuel Borg: Il-Kalkara mil-lenti tiegħu/Kalkara through his lens stands as a meaningful contribution to local heritage documentation and a fitting homage to a man whose quiet dedication helped keep Kalkara’s story visible across the generations.
Authored and researched by Chev. Duncan Brincat, the book combines biographical research with a strong photographic selection that captures Kalkara from within ‒ its daily rhythms, ecclesial and civic milestones, social organisations and the evolving streetscapes that framed village life across decades.
Chapters guide the reader through themes such as ‘Photographer, artist and memorialist’, ‘Distinctive events’, ‘Historical occasions’, ‘Groups and committees’, ‘Regatta in Kalkara’, ‘The parish church’, ‘Archbishop Gonzi’, ‘Installation of parish priests’, ‘Kalkara enclaves’, and ‘Through the passage of time’.
At the heart of the book is the story of Borg himself. Born in Kalkara on September 20, 1922, he began practising photography professionally around the year 1947 and operated studios in Rnella Street. His work ranged from portraits and weddings to broader documentary coverage, earning a reputation for meticulous standards and deep familiarity with the subjects he photographed.
Guests at the book launch.Borg was among the early members of the Malta Photographic Society and, in 1968, obtained certification and membership through a correspondence course with an international photographic organisation in London.
He also contributed nationally through his work with the Malta Tourist Board and other assignments linked to public information and historic occasions. He retired in 1982, continued practising photography as a pastime, and passed away on September 13, 2012.
During the launch, distinguished guests were presented with complimentary copies of the book, while other attendees were able to purchase the publication.