The Heritage Saved pen and ink watercolour collection and limited edition prints by Kenneth Zammit Tabona, co-produced with Banif Bank Malta plc, has been launched this morning by Din l-Art Helwa.
The collection was launched by Tourism Parliamentary Secretary Mario de Marco as a major fund raising initiative as the heritage organisation prepares to celebrate its 45th anniversary since its foundation in 1965. All funds raised through the sale of the Heritage Saved limited edition prints would to be dedicated to the restoration of the Church of Our Lady of Victory in Valletta where urgent work were needed on the vault paintings and its collections, some of which date to the time of the Order of St John.
The Church of our Lady of Victory, built in 1566 by Grand Master Jean Parisot de la Vallette after the Great Siege, was erected in thanksgiving for his victory and is the first church to have been built in Valletta. Below it are said to be the foundation stones of the city which took his name.
The Heritage Saved collection and its limited edition prints, painted by Kenneth Zammit Tabona, are a collection of 12 paintings executed in the artist’s unique genre which blends historic memory and social reflection in detailed and colourful allegorical scenes.
Each painting features a heritage site saved through restoration by Din l-Art Helwa together with a colourful character portrait of its historic personality.
An adhesive narrative by Simone Mizzi accompanies each print for use after framing while a ‘Crack the Codes’ document guides the viewer through the stories that inspired each painting.
The paintings are being exhibited at Castille between 4 and 8 p.m. today, on Monday and Tuesday and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3.30 to 7.30 p.m. tomorrow.
From December 2, the exhibition will be moved to Din l-Art Helwa’s offices at 133 Melita Street, Valletta.
The twelve limited edition prints come in two sets of six and in a presentation gift folder together with their narratives.
Each set is on sale at €120 per set, €100 for members of Din l-Art Helwa.
They can be ordered directly at the exhibition or from Din l-Art Helwa at info@dinlarthelwa.org , or on 21225952.