Magical Zoetropes: Let’s Make Victorian Animations

Discover the magic of the zoetrope, a Victorian toy that inspired the creation of motion pictures, and make your own! At this interactive family day, you can view zoetropes in motion, create a mini zoetrope to take home and draw animation strips that bring your pictures to life.

Zoetrope workshops: 11am-12pm and 1-2pm

Make your own mini zoetropes! Held in the drawing room.

Led by Mark & Zoe Pembrey of Quick Draw Stories

Suggested age 5+yrs

RSVP essential, select time above and book ticket below

Please book one ticket per individual family member, e.g. 2 tickets for one parent and child

Animation drawing drop-in: 2-4pm 

Draw animation strips to try out in a zoetrope! Held in the drawing room.

Led by Mark & Zoe Pembrey of Quick Draw Stories

All ages

Just turn up

You can also view zoetropes in motion and a short film of zoetrope animations in the billiards room.

This event is part of the Light & Dark Festival, which explores the theme of triumph of light over darkness and the hope for renewal and warmth during the coldest and darkest time of the year. The festival sheds light on the beauty of cultural diversity, the science behind illumination, and how creativity and technology can create a more captivating cultural experience for visitors. This festival is part of Sutton STEAMs Ahead and takes place across the London Borough of Sutton between October 2023 and February 2024. Read more about the Light & Dark Festival and Sutton STEAMs Ahead here. Sutton STEAMs Ahead is a project funded by a Cultural Impact Award as part of the Mayor of London’s London Borough of Culture programme and The National Heritage Lottery Fund.