Francesco Matania

Francesco was an artist of considerable talent.  He had served in the Italian Army during WW1 and reached the rank of lieutenant and was awarded an Italian knighthood for his poignant sketching on the Northern Front. On his return to London in 1920 The Tatler wrote: Chevalier Francesco Matania Who is an operatic singer and professor of singing, has come back to this country, and has resumed his professional work.  He is thirty seven years of age and has had a considerable experience in opera; he was also made a special study of voice-training and vocal art.  He has now opened a studio at the Wigmore Hall Studio, 110 High Street Marylebone where he is giving lessons in singing.

Francesco’s passion was music and he studied in England and Italy attaining diplomas in various fields of music.  He established in London, The Matania Operatic Society, an orchestra and music academies. Francesco also taught Italian at the London County Council School and music at the Royal Academy of Music, London.

During internment, Francesco shared his passions with the other Italians.  He taught art, formed an orchestra and conducted a choir.  Francesco also used his time to paint and compose music.  Generally he was on friendly terms with all in camp, and Nicola Cua, Giorgio Scola and Gino Guarnieri clearly remembered Francesco Matania for both his art and music.

Francesco Matania

(The Tatler No. 1008 October 20 1920)