Dalmatia from the archives of one collector: A rare journey through time

A new limited-edition book, Dalmatia from the Archives of One Collector, offers readers a remarkable glimpse into the past through parts of the collection of famous Croatian collector Igor Goleš.

Best known for his popular Forgotten Dalmatia series, Goleš now unveils, for the first time, an extensive portion of his private collection, an archive regarded as one of the finest dedicated to the Dalmatian region.

The book serves as the culmination of decades of careful collecting, presenting hundreds of rare items that have long been hidden from the public.

Among the highlights are several dozen postcards never before published in Croatia, making the catalogue an important contribution to the preservation of Dalmatian visual heritage.

Dalmatia from the Archives of One Collector

But postcards are only part of the story. The publication brings together a fascinating mix of materials spanning centuries: the earliest printed maps of Dalmatia from the 16th century, original letters, lithographs, graphics, and vintage photo albums.

Goleš also reveals another side of his collecting passion by showcasing documents he personally rescued from destruction, items that now form an invaluable part of Dalmatia’s historical record.

Two letters from World War II period, part of his philatelic collection – Tito and Pavelić featuring on the stamps

One of the most compelling chapters focuses on the emigration of Dalmatians to overseas countries in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Goleš sheds light on a lesser-known chapter of Croatian history, describing how many men took jobs on ocean-going ships with the intention of deserting at the first chance to set foot on a new continent.

“For the first time in Croatia, such a list of deserters is being published,” Goleš explains. “The Maritime Government in Trieste sent these reports to Dalmatian port authorities, noting where, when and from which ship a seafarer escaped. Many had no means to buy an immigration ticket, so this was their only hope of reaching the New World.”

Marine Government reports about the emigrants on ships

Others, he adds, sold family gold or mortgaged their homes to fund their journey overseas.

The human stories behind these departures, marked by poverty, hope and courage, have become a central focus of Goleš’s ongoing research.

He hopes to expand the topic into a major future book and invites readers to participate. “If anyone has old letters from relatives abroad, I would be grateful if they contacted me. I would love to transcribe them and perhaps include them in the project,” he says.

Casa de Piedra – invoice from the Versalovich brothers from their Antofagasta shop. An example how Croatians were successful in exile 

Over the next five to six years, he plans to visit Croatian communities across Canada, the United States, South America and Australia to continue documenting these migrant histories.

Beautifully crafted in a small print run, Dalmatia from the Archives of One Collector is intended not only for collectors but for anyone who carries Dalmatia in their heart.

Letters from immigrants sent to their families in Dalmatia 

With its blend of rare visuals, untold stories and carefully preserved documents, the catalogue is sure to become a treasured keepsake for lovers of Dalmatian culture and history.

You can purchase the book here: webshop.zaboravljenadalmacija.hr/product/dalmacija-iz-arhive-jednog-kolekcionara/?v=c4cc1a1ba567