Ipswich delights in giant 14m high replica of Wolsey Gate entirely made out of cardboard boxes and tape

More than 12,000 people came together to help build a giant cardboard building in a town centre – and then pull it down again.

The 14m high replica of the Wolsey Gate was constructed in Ipswich at the weekend, and was made entirely from cardboard boxes and tape.

It went up on Saturday and came down on Sunday.

The replica was designed by French artist Olivier Grossetête, in collaboration with the Spill Festival, currently running in the town until October 29.

It was supported by Thomas Wolsey 550, Ipswich Borough Council and Ipswich Central.

Members of the community helped create the building blocks during the week, before it was constructed on Saturday, and then deconstructed at 4pm on Sunday.

Delighted children held flatten the boxes on the ground, by jumping on them.

Mr Grossetête has been building cardboard structures for a number of years, as part of his Monumental Constructions project.

Robin Deacon, CEO and artistic director of SPILL Festival, said: “This weekend we had the wonderful presence of Olivier Grossetete’s cardboard structure on the Cornhill and its spectacular demolition on Sunday.

“Whether experienced in person or online, the responses we received from the public regarding this project have been overwhelming in their positivity. So many people have said they felt this brought a strong sense of community cohesion and pride in Ipswich.”

He added: "Over the last week we were delighted to welcome Live Art Denmark, who presented the show ‘50 Dangerous Things (You Should Let Your Children Do)’.

“Those shows all sold out quickly and it was a great mix of parents and children exploring the risks and playing together. We could have sold out for many more days.

“One of the recurring conversations I’m having with local people is referencing their excitement about what’s happening in Ipswich with this festival, based on the feeling that sometimes people can be a bit ‘down’ on Ipswich, and a lot of people are saying it’s great that all this happened in the County town of Suffolk.

“Also, with us testing the newly refurbished St Stephen’s Church as a central venue and building on the strong relationship we’ve established with Brighten the Corners, that venue became the rightful Hub of the festival. We had some excellent concerts and events there and found some new audiences.”

Inspired by the story of Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, the replica of Wolsey Gate was constructed during three workshops, the previous week.