Ġanni Bonnici (1932-2019)
Ġanni Bonnici's oeuvre included seven coin designs for the Central Bank of Malta. Of these, two coins struck in silver were issued in 1990 to commemorate Pope John Paul II's pastoral visit to Malta and the 20th anniversary of the Association Agreement signed between Malta and the EEC in 1970. A series of five commemorative €2 coins, designed by Bonnici and issued by the Bank between 2011 and 2015, marked constitutional milestones highlighting Malta's progression from a colonial possession to a sovereign nation.
Kevin Cassar, Central Bank of Malta Coin Museum Curator
Artist's Biographical Synopsis:
Ġanni Bonnici (1932-2019)
Maltese sculptor and ceramist Ġanni Bonnici was born in Mosta on 4 September 1932. He was a pioneer in the field of modern ceramics in Malta and was also known for designing medals, coins and stamps. Bonnici studied at the Malta School of Art under Vincent Apap, Antonio Micallef, George Borg and Carmelo Attard Cassar. He continued his studies in ceramics at the Stoke-on-Trent Ceramics College, United Kingdom and at the Accademia di Belle Arti in Rome.
Source: M. J. Schiavone, Dictionary of Maltese Biographies. Vol. 1, Malta 2009