York student creates summer photo op artwork in Coppergate

Artwork created by a former York College student is going to be putting in appearance in photo albums and social media posts this summer.  Clifton resident Jack Martindale has created the ‘ice cream and doughnut’ picture board at the Coppergate Centre, which has fast become a photo-favourite for locals and tourists alike.

The traditional seaside board is part of the Coppergate Strand event in the Coppergate Centre, with visitors invited to put their faces in the holes for a fun photo opportunity.  Jack’s father, Steve, works at the Coppergate Centre, and he jumped at the opportunity to create the unique artwork!

“This is my first paid commission as an artist, and it is fantastic to see people interacting with it,” comments 19 year old Jack, who has just completed an art course at York College, and is heading off to Sheffield Hallam University in September to start a degree in illustration.  “I’m really proud when I see people having fun taking photos with the board, and it is quite humbling to see so many people engaging with a piece of your artwork.”

Visitors to Coppergate have been quick to share their photographs taken with the board.  “Even when we were fixing the board in place, children were desperate to pose with their faces through the holes, and it has become an incredibly popular feature of our summer activity,” comments centre manager, Pippa Unwin.  “We might not be able to offer lapping waves, but we’ve got sun, sand, deckchairs and ice-cream for the perfect city centre beach experience this August.”

Coppergate Strand – which is named after the Viking word for ‘beach’ - remains open throughout August and is free to visit. 

ENDS

For further media information or photographs, please contact:

Jay Commins

Pyper York Limited

Tel:         01904 500698

Email:    jay@pyperyork.co.uk