Cake & Revolution WI take part in collage workshop in Ipswich with artist Jonathan D. Boast

Jonathan D. Boast is artist in residence at Ipswich Art Gallery. Picture: Nigel Brown (Image: Archant)

Nine women from Cake & Revolution WI, formed in the town, were treated to a special workshop from artist in residence at Ipswich Art Gallery, Jonathan D. Boast.

The participants were given a selection of Family Circle magazines from days gone by and asked to create collages taking inspiration from Sir Eduardo Paolozzi and his series of screen prints called General Dynamic F.U.N., which are currently being exhibited at the gallery.

The collages created by nine members of Cake & Revolution WI. Picture: Jonathan D. Boast (Image: Archant)

Sharon Turner, of Cake & Revolution, took part.

She said: “It was really joyous, we were talking and laughing; we were sticking and cutting, it was like being back at school.

Miranda Acres joins in with a workshop. Picture: Nigel Brown (Image: Archant)

“It is really exciting to be able to have our work in the gallery next to Paolozzi, a world-famous artist.”

Jonathan D. Boast, who was raised in Bury St Edmunds, was picked out of more than 50 applicants for the residency spot.

Sue Hagley takes parts in the session led by Jonathan D. Boast. Picture: Nigel Brown (Image: Archant)

His task is to inspire schools, colleges and community groups to engage with the Paolozzi exhibition, which is open until April 2.

He has already worked with pupils from Ipswich School and he is soon to do a workshop with students at Suffolk New College.

Sian Smathers, Sally Rayan and Jo Griffin for Cake & Revolution WI. Picture: Nigel Brown (Image: Archant)

Jonathan was a student at Ipswich School in 1987 when Paolozzi opened a new art department there.

Speaking about his workshop with the WI group, he said: “It was a great day.

Jonathan D. Boast leads a workshop for members of Ipswich's Cake & Revolution WI. Picture: Nigel Brown (Image: Archant)

“They really got involved and really enjoyed it.”

The Family Circle magazines used were from 1970 to 1981 and were given to Jonathan by his grandmother.

Jonathan helps Sharon Turner with her collage. Picture: Nigel Brown (Image: Archant)

Jonathan added: “Paolozzi’s work is very Americanised whereas the work created here is British through and through, much like the WI.”

The collages can be viewed in gallery six at the Upper High Street venue.

Sian Smathers, Abi Harper and Miranda Acres with Jonathan D. Boast. Picture: Nigel Brown (Image: Archant)

Abi Harper, president of Cake & Revolution, has a tour of the gallery with Jonathan. Picture: Nigel Brown (Image: Archant)