A hundred painters are needed to re-create an artwork depicting the story of St Edmund, the former King of East Anglia.

Artist Tina McCallan wants people to join her as she replicates the painting, The Matrydom of St Edmund, which is displayed in Bury St Edmunds’ cathedral, pictured.

She has successfully completed projects at The National Gallery, The Museum of London, and Glastonbury Festival.

She said: “The project is about attempting to copy something which is in itself impossible as the beauty of the project lies in its imperfections.

“The act of recreation enables one to inhabit the mind and vision of the original artist, to study details and make it anew. The preciousness of the original is translated into a different kind of preciousness; that of human idiosyncrasy.

“It’s as if you are looking through a hundred different eyes all at the same time. I like the idea that these reproductions act as visual Chinese whispers silently emulating their original masters.”

Reverend David Streeter has commissioned the work, to be created in Wingfield Barns, near Eye, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the diocese of which St Edmund is the patron saint.

The project is inspired by a version of a 15th Century painting workshop with each participant creating one square on a large canvas divided up into 100 squares.

A temporary artists’ studio will be set up in the Arts Centre, complete with the equipment needed – including palettes, easel and oils – to create the work.

The finished painting, based on the original by Brian Whelan, will go on display in various churches in the area.

The painting will take place on Saturday and Sunday between 10am-4pm.

Anyone interested is welcome to attend, no experience is necessary but there is a suggested donation of £5

Contact 01379 384505 or email enquiries@wingfieldbarns.com

Go to www.tinamccallan.com for more information on the artist and her projects