Pasquale Gilardi also known as “Lelèn”, was born in Brè sopra Lugano on 26 November 1885 and dies at the Civic Hospital of Lugano in 1934. He is the second last of a large number of children (eight males and two females).
When he is 18 years old, Pasquale Gilardi “Lelèn” goes to Hamburg where he attends schools of drawing for some time. He returns to Lugano, continues to study under the guidance of Luigi Vassalli, turns ill and dies.

In his troubled life as a bohemian artist, Pasquale Gilardi Lelèn receives recognition for his merits, even from the High Federal Department of the Interior, who gives him an award of 2000 franks, a significant amount in 1912. One of his sculptures was purchased by the above-mentioned High Department; showing its undoubted artistic value.

At a very young age he teaches drawing and plastics at the night school for masons in Cresciano. Despite his very disintegrated life, his art is very fruitful. Medallions and other sculptures that showcase the artists can be seen in the cemeteries of Lugano, Brè sopra Lugano, Pregassona and Cadro.
The monument of the Guggenheim family “Goddess of Peace” (1916), inspired by the horrors of the great war (1914-1918) can be seen in the cemetery of Lugano Brè but it could be worthily included in any noble museum.
This sculpture is a finely shaped woman, her modest forms are veiled by a light dress and she is clinging to an olive tree. Cannons, broken weapons and sad cemetery crosses are placed at her feet. The art and concept.