Workshop: Freedom of the Press, 1986 Style, Print Design & History
Saturday 10th October 2026 , 11:00am to 1:00pm
Come and make the news with doctoral researcher and graphic designer, Katherine Easthill. This will be a print design and history workshop, inspired by the Wapping dispute (1986–7).
40 years ago, The Rum Factory was home to Rupert Murdoch’s British media empire, News International and would have been surrounded by picketers participating in the 13-month long Wapping dispute (1986–7). The dispute began when Murdoch sacked around 6,000 workers on the 24th of January 1986.
Sacked workers included compositors, typesetters and printers, some of these roles had become obsolete with the move to digital layout and production technology. However, secretaries, clerks, cleaners and librarians also lost their jobs, as well as journalists who refused the move in solidarity with their colleagues and in opposition to the lack of union recognition at Wapping. Sacked workers picketed outside the plant, dissuading workers from entering and encouraging them to join the picket, they coordinated a national boycott of Murdoch’s titles, and (understandable given their former profession) began to produce print in support of their aims.
This workshop will be an opportunity to learn about the dispute; the techniques used in the design of tabloids; and the print produced by the sacked workers to support their cause. You will then produce your own designs inspired by the history and these techniques. Everyone’s final pieces will contribute to a collaborative final publication which will be distributed at an exhibition in November.
All materials and tools will be provided. This workshop is a great opportunity for anyone interested in the history of the local area, print design and prints role in protest and social movements. No previous design experience is required!
This workshop is organised by doctoral researcher, Katherine Easthill, a design history researcher and graphic designer. She is currently working on her PhD analysing The Wapping Post, a newspaper set up by sacked printworkers and journalists during the Wapping dispute (1986–7), funded by the Arts & Humanities Research Council through the Techne Doctoral Training Partnership.
Access Information
We are sorry to note, this building does not have step-free access or an accessible toilet.
If you have any further questions regarding accessibility at this venue or event, would like to make us aware of any access requirements that you have in advance of visiting, or would like this information in an alternate format including Easy Read, please call 020 8980 7774 (Ext. 3).
Transport Information
The Rum Factory Studios, 49 Pennington Street, Wapping.
Nearest station(s): Shadwell (DLR)
Bus: 36, 185, 436, 196
Parking: No parking available.
Bike: Limited bicycle parking.
