A collection of prints went up for sale yesterday to raise much-needed funds for the first church built in Valletta.

Din l-Art Ħelwa (DĦL) inaugurated the Heritage Saved Pen and Ink Watercolour Collection and Limited Edition prints by Kenneth Zammit Tabona at Auberge de Castille.

All funds raised through the sale of the prints are to be dedicated to the restoration of the Church of Our Lady of Victory in Valletta, where urgent work remains to be done to the important vault paintings and its precious collections, some of which date to the time of the Order of St John.

This church, built in 1566 by Grand Master Jean Parisot de la Vallette after the Great Siege, was erected in thanksgiving for his victory.

The foundation stones of the city are said to lie beneath the church.

The 12 paintings are 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 DLĦ, together with a colourful character portrait of the historic personality connected with each.

The exhibition is open at Castille until Tuesday, and will then move to 133 Melita Street, Valletta.

The sets can be ordered directly at the exhibition or from DLĦ at info@dinlarthelwa.org, or on 2122 5952.

The collection may be viewed on www.dinlarthelwa.org.