Galea's Art Studio in South St. , Valletta first opened its doors in the early1920's. The proprietor was Joseph Galea, a young, talented artist who set up with a large selection of paintings and hand made souvenirs. The studio (then called Charing Cross Art Studio) became very popular with locals and servicemen stationed in Malta at the time. Joseph Galea used to set up his easel by the door and paint either some Maltese landscape or some British Royal Navy ship using the Grand Harbours' bastions as a backdrop.

During the Second World War it was business as usual even when the Royal Opera House, situated nearby, received a direct hit and one of its enormous columns was blown into the studio. The walls were patched with wood and fresh paintings were made the sane day. Some days high-ranking officers used to walk into the shop and chat to Joseph. Amongst them was Lord Louis Mountbatten who was a frequent visitor to the studio. Many of these officers would commission personal paintings or cards to their loved ones at home, and fighter pilots would commission their squadron insignia painted on their leather jackets.

Edwin Galea (Joseph's son) continued running the business. Himself a watercolour artist, he concentrated mostly on marine art ranging from Galleys of the Knights of Malta to galleons of the Nelson-Napoleonic ear to modern day aircraft carriers and cruisers. Edwin also introduced a selection of paintings to be reproduced as prints to sell alongside the originals. These prints were made with as much attention to detail to ensure that they remain as true to the originals as possible.

Today Galea's Art studio is run by Edwin's brother and son (Charles and Pierre). In addition to the original watercolours and prints, Galea's have also introduced the sale of artist materials. Anything from the thinnest brush to the largest canvas could be found. To accommodate the lot Galea's Art Gallery , a new outlet, was opened recently just around the corner in Strait St. , Valletta .

Due to the length of time this business has been open and thanks to the high standard paintings produced, Galea's has become a household name here in Malta . With this website the owners and staff of Galea's Art studio hope to put a little bit of Maltese art and history into your homes anywhere in the world.