From family walks to illustrated prints
Il-Kappella is a small husband-and-wife studio creating illustrated prints inspired by the places we grew up with. Each artwork starts as a hand-drawn illustration and is printed to order on museum-grade paper. These artworks keep memories close, whether it is the chapel where you married, the church from your village or the festa traditions we cherish.
Tricia Fenech Fabri is the one who quietly keeps things on course, looking after our customers and keeping things running smoothly. She is creative by nature, expressing herself through words, voice, movement and imagination. She believes artists are here to share their light, especially in a world that often rushes past what truly matters. A published children’s author and winner of the Premju Nazzjonali tal Ktieb, she brings that same storytelling spirit into Il-Kappella. She loves her time outdoors and she is a qualified tea champion, so you can imagine the standard of tea around here.
Derek Fenech is the illustrator and designer behind Il-Kappella. His work is shaped by a lifelong love for Maltese history, mythology, and storytelling. Raised in a family where metalwork, sculpture, and even the quiet rhythm of the sea shaped daily life, he grew up surrounded by craft and the respect for things made by hand. Though he was often told that drawing could never become a career, he kept going. Today, Derek is an accomplished published illustrator with work exhibited in Ireland, Sweden and Malta, and the winner of the Premju Nazzjonali tal-Ktieb for Best Illustrator.
Il-Kappella began as a family moment, shaped by walks, discoveries and a love for the places we grew up with. What started as simple adventures during a time of stillness soon became a way of keeping those places alive through illustration.
OUR STORY
We are a family of four: husband and wife, and our two boys. Our boys are our north star, the reason behind everything we do.
Before Covid, we travelled often. Travel feeds us. When lockdown hit, we felt caged. Malta is small, yes, but this tiny island in the Mediterranean is rich in history and culture. This isn’t a tourist pitch — it is simply who we are.
During lockdown, we began visiting the small chapels scattered around the island. Some are tucked away, some hard to reach, others slowly fading into the background as modern development grows around them. One winter’s day, we went searching for the chapel at Fawwara. We had never been before and didn’t even know the way. It felt like a small adventure. The boys loved discovering the story behind the chapel and, honestly, it is one of the most beautiful spots on the island. While we were there, our eldest turned to his dad and said, “You should draw this chapel.” Derek didn’t need much convincing, and Il-Kappella was born.
We want to honour the past while creating something that belongs in the present. Something that brings colour and life back to these chapels, and that can live comfortably in every home. Perhaps, through these prints, we might spark a little curiosity, encouraging others to seek out these hidden gems.
We invite you to explore our collection, as it continues to take shape.
A Maltese heart, wherever life takes us
Though we no longer live in Malta, our work still carries the chapels, statues and feast traditions we grew up with, keeping those memories alive and sharing them with others who love them too.
Made with care, not mass produced
Each piece begins as a hand drawn illustration, created with time and attention. Nothing is automated or rushed. Every print is made to order, avoiding extra stock and keeping waste low while giving you art shaped by real artists.
All our prints are produced with water based inks that offer depth and clarity without harsh chemicals. No plastic is used in our materials, making each piece a more thoughtful and environmentally gentle choice.
Created with water based, eco friendly inks
Printed on sustainably sourced paper
Our prints are produced on premium paper from responsibly managed forests, giving each piece a natural feel and lasting quality. The paper is fully vegan friendly and chosen with care to reduce our impact on the environment.