Dusk Dialogues: Conversations on Jewellery

Join us for 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐣𝐞𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐲, featuring special guests 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐚 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐳𝐚𝐧 and 𝐑𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐥 “𝐌𝐨𝐠𝐠” 𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐧, bringing together different perspectives on jewellery, its history, craftsmanship and place in contemporary practice. 

Francesca Balzan, an artist, art historian and author who has researched and published widely on the history of jewellery in Malta, will be joined by Rachel “Mogg” Robinson a formally trained jewellery designer. They bring together historical and contemporary perspectives on jewellery and its making.    

This talk aims to open a conversation between the past and present of jewellery, exploring the relationship between its history and the practice of making jewellery today.  

Check out the details below: 
Booking required as limited spaces available - send us an email on bookings@palazzofalson.com 
Ticket price: 5 euro non-refundable fee, free for members of Palazzo Falson (booking still required) 
Date and Time: Tuesday 3rd November at 18:30 - Doors open at 18:00 
Venue: Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum, Mdina 
 
More info here:
https://www.palazzofalson.com/news-events/dusk-dialogues
 
This event is in collaboration with Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti.  
 
Special thanks to Marsovin - The Culture of Wine, for contributing towards this series of events. 

Introducing our guest speaker – Francesca Balzan 

Francesca Balzan is an artist, art historian and author whose pioneering research has focused on the history of jewellery in Malta. Her work explores jewellery not only as an art form, but also through the traditions of craftsmanship, trade and the social history surrounding it. 

As curator of Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum from its opening in 2007 until 2018, Francesca also extensively researched the museum’s remarkable jewellery collection. Her landmark publication, Jewellery in Malta – Treasures from the Island of the Knights (1530–1798), was awarded First Prize at the Malta National Book Awards (Il-Premju Nazzjonali tal-Ktieb). She has also recently been awarded the Malta Society of Arts Gold Medal for 2026 in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the arts.   

During 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐣𝐞𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐲, we will explore jewellery through both its history and craftsmanship, bringing together perspectives on its traditions, techniques and making.  

Photo of Francesca Balzan taken by Therese Debono

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Introducing our guest speaker – Rachel “Mogg” Robinson 

Rachel “Mogg” Robinson is a formally trained jewellery designer and maker. Following a career in museum and gallery education in the UK, Rachel relocated to Gozo in 2008, where she returned to studio practice and took on the challenges and rewards of pursuing a full-time creative career. 

Her work balances accessible, ready-to-wear sterling silver jewellery and more avant-garde exhibition pieces, and she often uses unconventional materials and explores new approaches to form and texture. 

During 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐣𝐞𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐲, we will learn about the world of contemporary jewellery practice, exploring the experimentation, creativity and curiosity behind the making of unique works. 

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