Steampunk Novelty item: The Imperial Coffee Carrier
Steampunk is many things to many people but easily recognised by the dedicated follower. It is an imaginary lifestyle to Cosplay fans, a science fiction style to novelists, a Victorian era clothing style to garment makers, and a style of manufacturing using quality materials and imaginative and unique designs to we Steampunk Makers.
Parts
An explanation I often use breaks the word into two separate parts. The “Steam” part I think refers to the Steam Age of Victorian times or the later part of the nineteenth century and the early part of the twentieth century. Steam power together with clockwork and primitive electric forms of power are also a favourite theme of the genre.
The “punk” part of Steampunk possibly refers to the rebellion by followers, against today’s mass production techniques and the manufacture of plastic disposable goods.
Global Apocalypse
Another common element of Steampunk is based on the imaginary creation of a new world following a global apocalyptic event. This is identified by the invention and the use of new weaponry, hybrid mechanical creatures and war machines. The genre pays tribute to the inventiveness and the skill of the artisans and craftsmen and women of the Industrial Revolution. It also embraces the imaginary future dreamed up and set down in written form by the famous science fiction writers of the time such as H.G. Wells and Jules Verne.
Inventions and Fantasy
For Steampunk makers this leaves the field wide open for inventions of fantasy products and individually designed and built functional items as well. Most designs feature intricate and decorative motifs combined with durable materials such as leather, brass, cast iron, copper and glass.
During the Victorian era there was a widespread fascination for exploring and for new forms of travel including underwater journeys and travel by air. A new mode of protective dress was also invented to protect the adventurous traveller and goggles, helmets and great coats became popular and these are also adopted enthusiastically by Steampunk followers.
In basic terms Steampunk is best illustrated by the use of “goggles, gauges and gears” with plenty of brass and leather.
Steampunk Radio with Bluetooth speaker
