Open Session #24: Bookbinding with Zoe Thompson
Come and learn the traditional craft of bookbinding in this hands-on workshop for beginners with Zoe Thompson. Over the course of an evening, you'll work alongside Zoe in a relaxed session, learning how to bind a case-bound book by hand and making your own to take home.
By the end, you'll have a handmade book ready to fill with your own writing, drawings, sketches or ideas. You don't need any experience, and all materials are provided. Whether you're curious about zines, want to make your own notebooks, or simply fancy trying something new with your hands, you're welcome to join.
Zoe is currently in residency at Lighthouse, exploring creative writing and bookbinding as she develops her practice as a zine maker.
Space is limited to 12 people. Refreshments will be provided.
Date: Thursday 12 November 2026
Time: 6 - 8.30 PM
Location: Reception, space Lighthouse, 28 Kensington Street, Brighton, BN1 4AJ (map)
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Zoe Thompson is a London-based zine-maker and facilitator, bringing the joy of zine-making to brands and people through workshops, content and editorial design. Zoe champions the power of zine culture as a radical tool of expression and design workshops centered around embodied play; facilitating warm, joyful and accessible spaces for collective making.
Inspired by the history of zines - DIY culture, the 90s Riot Grrrl movement, independent magazines of the Harlem Renaissance - she advocates for the importance of physical media and the revolutionary potential that zines have to produce and archive counter culture.
ACCESSIBILITY
Lighthouse is a fully wheelchair accessible venue. This event will be held in the ground floor, level access, reception space. Find our accessibility details for the building here. For further information email info@lighthouse.org.uk or call 01273 647197.
CODE OF CONDUCT
We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, supportive environment for all. We ask that everyone follow our code of conduct, which you can read here. Anyone attending under 16 must be accompanied by a Parent or Legal Guardian.
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO DURING EVENT
Please note that this event will be photographed/filmed. If you prefer not to be photographed, please speak to a member of the Lighthouse team. The photographs and film we capture at our events are used for marketing and promotional purposes for our programme only and are stored securely.
ABOUT OUR FUNDERS
Innovate UK, Charity Bank, Chalk Cliff Trust and Sussex Community Foundation
ABOUT LIGHTHOUSE
Lighthouse is a Brighton-based arts charity championing young people aged 16–30 to shape the future of the creative industries. For nearly 40 years, we’ve supported emerging talent, especially those facing systemic barriers, in developing as artists, producers, and creative leaders.
Our programmes place power directly in the hands of young people, pairing digital innovation with community-driven practice to build equitable pathways into the sector.