Steampunk
Steampunk is a sub-genre of science fiction that calls to mind the golden age of discovery during the Victorian Era, when mad inventors such as Nikola Tesla and Charles Barrage would dream up and create amazing and beautifully crafted machines and electrical contraptions. When the Victorian Explorers and naturalists, clad in there pith helmets and khaki, would tramp through vast and uncharted areas of the world documenting new tribes and collecting new species.
Steampunk inventions and art are generally made of materials reflecting the craftsmanship of the Victorian era such as brass, steel wood and clockwork as well as incorporating glass and leather, and of course often driven by steam power. And like most Victorian Era contraptions, they are made to look like a work of art The steampunk culture also embraces many
Victorian era clothing styles, such as pith helmets, leather boots, tweed outfits and pocket watchers. The Steampunk genre takes direct inspiration from the works of Edwardian writers HG Wells and Jules Vern, the two visionaries of the modern technological world.
Steampunk inventions and art are generally made of materials reflecting the craftsmanship of the Victorian era such as brass, steel wood and clockwork as well as incorporating glass and leather, and of course often driven by steam power. And like most Victorian Era contraptions, they are made to look like a work of art The steampunk culture also embraces many
Victorian era clothing styles, such as pith helmets, leather boots, tweed outfits and pocket watchers. The Steampunk genre takes direct inspiration from the works of Edwardian writers HG Wells and Jules Vern, the two visionaries of the modern technological world.
Victorian era influence on the Streampunk Genre
Victorians were famous for predicting the innovations that would occur in
the future and covered all aspects including fashion, culture, architecture
and technology etc. This they often depicted through fiction. This was
presented to the public through novels and movies and one of the best known, The Time Machine, featured the invention from which it took it’s name (the original brain-child of H.G. Wells). Another H.G. Wells novel that fitted this genre was War Of The Worlds, a story about the earth being attacked by Martians, and this was also later made into a movie. The novel tells the story of a late 19th century journalist who journeys through Victorian London and environs while the Martians attack.
K.W. Jeter's novel Morlock Night (1979) was inspired by the original Time Machine story. It has been described as “the original Steampunk novel”. As book reviewer, Scott Asher says, “ Jeter’s decision to write this novel was not to provide a sequel, but rather to use the original novel as a setting for a much more ambitious and amazing story.” This “on the edge of your seat” story depicts the deadly Morlocks aquiring a time traveling machine of their own and then traveling back in time to Victorian London, where they turn it into their own “feeding ground”, causing mayhem and distruction. This is classic Steampunk!
These fiction novels and movies etc would use steam engines, hydraulics and clockwork prominently as their core energy drivers.
This was a reflection of the recent developments in the use of steam power which maximized efficiency and increased productivity. These were some of the major results of this steam revolution.
The Steampunk genre’s charm and popularity was so strong that it was only natural that it would be presented in the form of movies during the 1950s and 1960s. Prominent and noteworthy among them were 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, produced in the year 1954. This was an adaptation of the famous Steampunk novel of the same name, written by Jules Verne. The Time Machine, appearing on screen in 1960, was originally penned by H.G. Wells in 1895 and was the first to create the concept of time machines. Captain Nemo and the Underwater City was filmed in 1969 and was greatly influenced and used certain plots and settings from 20,000
Leagues Under the Sea also written by Jules Verne. In these films one could clearly see that the machines and equipment depicted are powered by steam and many of these machines are in existence today, albeit in different forms.
Steampunk is as popular as ever today and most recently, was prominently featured in the hit movie Van Helsing, starring Hugh Jackman. This popular adaptation of Bram Stoker’s famous vampire slayer, features elaborate Steampunk-style laboratories filled with Nikola Tesla inspired machinery. These highly entertaining and imaginative movies display these innovative machines with amazing capabilities. The attire and equipment worn by the characters in these films faithfully depict the Steampunk style of the Victorian era. These clothing styles and accessories are very artistic and unique, and this requires an appreciation of the imagination and creativity of the time. Over time the term Steampunk started to have a broader meaning and came to include anything that had the Victorian Era vintage look and appearance. And thus there came to be many items whose style and design was completely influenced by this era and came to be categorized as Steampunk. Products like jewelry, clocks and watches looked like those of the vintage era but used modern technology, thereby bringing in a complete blend of the old and the new. Other products include funky large goggles, hats, amazingly designed gloves, various glamorous, pointy-toed boots, brass timepieces and recycled vintage jewelry.
the future and covered all aspects including fashion, culture, architecture
and technology etc. This they often depicted through fiction. This was
presented to the public through novels and movies and one of the best known, The Time Machine, featured the invention from which it took it’s name (the original brain-child of H.G. Wells). Another H.G. Wells novel that fitted this genre was War Of The Worlds, a story about the earth being attacked by Martians, and this was also later made into a movie. The novel tells the story of a late 19th century journalist who journeys through Victorian London and environs while the Martians attack.
K.W. Jeter's novel Morlock Night (1979) was inspired by the original Time Machine story. It has been described as “the original Steampunk novel”. As book reviewer, Scott Asher says, “ Jeter’s decision to write this novel was not to provide a sequel, but rather to use the original novel as a setting for a much more ambitious and amazing story.” This “on the edge of your seat” story depicts the deadly Morlocks aquiring a time traveling machine of their own and then traveling back in time to Victorian London, where they turn it into their own “feeding ground”, causing mayhem and distruction. This is classic Steampunk!
These fiction novels and movies etc would use steam engines, hydraulics and clockwork prominently as their core energy drivers.
This was a reflection of the recent developments in the use of steam power which maximized efficiency and increased productivity. These were some of the major results of this steam revolution.
The Steampunk genre’s charm and popularity was so strong that it was only natural that it would be presented in the form of movies during the 1950s and 1960s. Prominent and noteworthy among them were 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, produced in the year 1954. This was an adaptation of the famous Steampunk novel of the same name, written by Jules Verne. The Time Machine, appearing on screen in 1960, was originally penned by H.G. Wells in 1895 and was the first to create the concept of time machines. Captain Nemo and the Underwater City was filmed in 1969 and was greatly influenced and used certain plots and settings from 20,000
Leagues Under the Sea also written by Jules Verne. In these films one could clearly see that the machines and equipment depicted are powered by steam and many of these machines are in existence today, albeit in different forms.
Steampunk is as popular as ever today and most recently, was prominently featured in the hit movie Van Helsing, starring Hugh Jackman. This popular adaptation of Bram Stoker’s famous vampire slayer, features elaborate Steampunk-style laboratories filled with Nikola Tesla inspired machinery. These highly entertaining and imaginative movies display these innovative machines with amazing capabilities. The attire and equipment worn by the characters in these films faithfully depict the Steampunk style of the Victorian era. These clothing styles and accessories are very artistic and unique, and this requires an appreciation of the imagination and creativity of the time. Over time the term Steampunk started to have a broader meaning and came to include anything that had the Victorian Era vintage look and appearance. And thus there came to be many items whose style and design was completely influenced by this era and came to be categorized as Steampunk. Products like jewelry, clocks and watches looked like those of the vintage era but used modern technology, thereby bringing in a complete blend of the old and the new. Other products include funky large goggles, hats, amazingly designed gloves, various glamorous, pointy-toed boots, brass timepieces and recycled vintage jewelry.
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: Giant Squid Seen from the Nautilus.
The Icon of Steampunk
It was in 1954 when Disney’s movie, 20,000 Leagues under the Sea hit the
big screen, that the steampunk culture gained a wider following. The movie was an adaptation of Jules Verne’s novel of the same title, and perhaps the only science fiction film produced by the late Walt Disney.
This movie classic was known to have showcased different elements of steampunk, such as the use of materials such as brass, wood, steel, glass, clockwork, leather and other similar fabric; and most of all these materials should combine the techno look and artistry.
20,000 Leagues under the Sea tells the story of Captain Nemo, heading the crew of the submarine Nautilus Which Nemo has been using to wreak
havoc on ships sailing the Pacific Ocean. As well as there run-in with a
classic sea monster, the giant squid. The design of the submarine and
especially the table where the captain writes his notes, captures the
essence of steampunk design.It is a wooden table with complex levels and
elaborate brass designs on it.
The director of the film, Richard Fleischer, was also meticulous in the depiction of the diving suits which are distinctively Victorian looking, but of course, the person who wears it can breathe and not be drowned. The design of the observing deck in the movie uses a large glass window with brass framing . this reflects the enthusiasm for brass during that time.
Hydraulics and steam powered apparatus were also employed in the film to portray how the submarine Nautilus functioned, with the controls made of brass and fiberglass also showing the distinctive influence evidence of steampunk.
It must also be noted that aside from the costumes and the set of the film, the plot of 20,000 Leagues under the Sea is itself a reflection of steampunk - a combination of adventures depicted by the fights and struggles of the submarine crew and science fiction such as the use of submarines and apparatus to work underwater, set in the Victorian era where new creatures are being discovered and steam almost powered everything. All these features made 20,000 Leagues under the Sea the ultimate steampunk film.
Steampunk may not be “everyone’s cup of tea”, but this film's mixture of science fiction and imaginative design has resulted in the creation of some of the most beautiful, individualistic and unique creations which will continue to inspire future inventions.The cultural
movement of Steampunk was greatly inspired by the works of two famous authors and visionaries, H. G. Wells and Jules Verne, whose works reflected the ambitious discoveries and imaginations of the people at that time. These influenced greatly the fashion, scientific, architecture and literature sectors during the 19th century. This culture also includes wearing clothing styles of
the Victorian era such as helmets, large goggles, pocket watches, brass gadgets, pointed shoes and boots.
big screen, that the steampunk culture gained a wider following. The movie was an adaptation of Jules Verne’s novel of the same title, and perhaps the only science fiction film produced by the late Walt Disney.
This movie classic was known to have showcased different elements of steampunk, such as the use of materials such as brass, wood, steel, glass, clockwork, leather and other similar fabric; and most of all these materials should combine the techno look and artistry.
20,000 Leagues under the Sea tells the story of Captain Nemo, heading the crew of the submarine Nautilus Which Nemo has been using to wreak
havoc on ships sailing the Pacific Ocean. As well as there run-in with a
classic sea monster, the giant squid. The design of the submarine and
especially the table where the captain writes his notes, captures the
essence of steampunk design.It is a wooden table with complex levels and
elaborate brass designs on it.
The director of the film, Richard Fleischer, was also meticulous in the depiction of the diving suits which are distinctively Victorian looking, but of course, the person who wears it can breathe and not be drowned. The design of the observing deck in the movie uses a large glass window with brass framing . this reflects the enthusiasm for brass during that time.
Hydraulics and steam powered apparatus were also employed in the film to portray how the submarine Nautilus functioned, with the controls made of brass and fiberglass also showing the distinctive influence evidence of steampunk.
It must also be noted that aside from the costumes and the set of the film, the plot of 20,000 Leagues under the Sea is itself a reflection of steampunk - a combination of adventures depicted by the fights and struggles of the submarine crew and science fiction such as the use of submarines and apparatus to work underwater, set in the Victorian era where new creatures are being discovered and steam almost powered everything. All these features made 20,000 Leagues under the Sea the ultimate steampunk film.
Steampunk may not be “everyone’s cup of tea”, but this film's mixture of science fiction and imaginative design has resulted in the creation of some of the most beautiful, individualistic and unique creations which will continue to inspire future inventions.The cultural
movement of Steampunk was greatly inspired by the works of two famous authors and visionaries, H. G. Wells and Jules Verne, whose works reflected the ambitious discoveries and imaginations of the people at that time. These influenced greatly the fashion, scientific, architecture and literature sectors during the 19th century. This culture also includes wearing clothing styles of
the Victorian era such as helmets, large goggles, pocket watches, brass gadgets, pointed shoes and boots.
The Anachronism is an award-wining Steampunk short about two children who discover the wreck of a giant squid submarine on a beach near their home
