Full steam ahead

A steamroller is probably not the first tool that comes to mind when you think of printmaking. But for the East London Printmakers fête on Saturday, members will be using this heavyweight machine, as well as inks and a giant sheet of paper, to create a mammoth 7.5m-long linocut.

The work is a collaborative project by several of the studio’s printmakers, who will each add different sections to the piece.

The largescale print is a panorama of the London Fields area where the studio is based, and features popular Broadway market, the lido, cricket pitch, playground and local characters, each in the individual artists’ distinctive styles.

The fête will also include a number of other workshops, including bag printing, lamp making and the rare chance to construct your own nipple tassels – no doubt just what you’ve always wanted. ELP members and friends will also be on hand selling a range of homemade books, artwork, ’zines and accessories and answering questions about their work and studio.

Daytime entertainment will include a masked table tennis tournament and from 6pm there will be bands, beer and a barbecue to celebrate the hopefully successful steamroller print. There will also be the chance throughout the day to look around the studio and explore work from the ELP annual exhibition.

The East London Printmakers summer fête is at 129 Mare Street, London E8 from 12 – 10pm