Exploring Printmaking: Eleanor Mills' Second Workshop at Thomas Gainsborough School

Following the success of her first session, textile artist Eleanor Mills returned to Thomas Gainsborough School for a second inspiring Art Club workshop. This time, the focus was on foam board printing on fabric—a hands-on process that encouraged students to experiment with texture, composition, and colour.

Using reference photos from a recent walk, Eleanor guided the students through the technique, showing them how to emboss patterns into foam boards using pencils before transferring their designs onto fabric squares. The workshop was a hive of creativity, with students carefully considering the interplay between carving and printing to bring their unique visions to life.

"It was fantastic to see their creativity come to life as they thoughtfully considered texture, composition, and the balance between carving and printing," Eleanor shared.

Looking ahead, the next session will introduce oil pastels and paint directly on fabric, focusing on cloud formations and the way their textures interact with textiles. This exciting exploration will not only deepen the students' artistic skills but also contribute to Eleanor’s final piece for An Appliqué Afternoon at Mill Tye Gallery.

By fostering artistic curiosity in young creatives, Eleanor’s workshops are proving to be a vibrant and integral part of both the school’s Art Club and her own evolving exhibition. We can’t wait to see how this collaboration continues to unfold!

We’re thrilled to invite you to Eleanor’s exhibition, An Appliqué Afternoon, opening this September. It’s an opportunity to see how these workshops have come to life in her work and to celebrate the creativity of our local community.

Click here to RSVP to the exhibition and learn more!