Steampunk and Antiques

I suggested that Roni and I go see the Steampunk Exhibit at the Museum of the History of Science this afternoon because it was the last day and since we had passed the Steampunk sign numerous times over the last month, we might as well check it out. We really had no idea hat Steampunk was, other than a really cool name, so I did a little investigation.

According to Wikipedia, which is always good for quick defition, Steampunk is a sub-genre of science fiction and speculative fiction, frequently featuring elements of fantasy. The term denotes works set in an era or world where steampower is still widely used- usually the Victorian era in England- but with prominent elements of either science fiction or fantasty, such as fictional technological inventions like those found in the works of HG Wells of Jules Verne.

The Museum of the History of Science hold two floor of fascinating scientific artifacts. Divided into sections like cameras, microscopes, calculators, globes, astrolabes, flasks, anything that a scientist could want and dream of using in any century. There wasn't too much explanation and there wasn't really a flow of the history but it was more a collection of various scientific artifacts and even for a non-science person, I was really interested.

At the Steampunk exhibit, wewere to imagine the technology of today with the aesthetic of Victorian science. The exhibit showcased work of eighteen Steampunk artists from across that globe that redesigned practical items to fantastical contraptions and we were supposed to expect "steam powered" computer mice, clockwork hearts, brass goggles and more.



The exhibit was absolutely fascinating. Some of the stuff was really bizarre and some was absolutely fascinating and absolutely unique. Here are some of the creme de la creme of what was saw.






The weirdest part of the exhibit were the people at the exhibit. Apparently there is a Steampunk Society (well, this is what Icalled them). Wandering around through the exhibit were these people in full, yet slightly funky, Victorian dress, with some od additional of Jules Verne/Phinneas Fogg goggles or intersting pocket watches. Roni and I were baffled and then confused but at the same time intrigued by their costumes and their clear dedication to this Steampunk genre.


After the museum, I wanted to show Roni the sheet music to "Ching-A-Ring Chaw" that I had found at the High Street Antique store (a song that we had sung in choir like a million years ago) so we headed down High Street. I absolutely love, love, love antique stores and this one is no different. It's just chock full of stuff and if I had money, most of it would go into antique stores. Usually I don't buy anything because it'se xpensive but I found two great purchases today for less than 20 pounds.

The first was a metal sign that I want to hang in my classroom and point to when kids swear. How funny is this sign? Especially because he was swearing in the presence of the Good Lady Ballsworth?

The second purchase was a book called Cap and Bell: Punch's chronicle of English history in the making, 1841-61. Basically it's a collection of all of Punch's articles and cartoons and poems that trace England's history from 1841-61, so Victorian times, various wars like the Anglo-Afghan War and the Anglo-Sikh War, Robert Peel and John Russell as Prime Minister, issues with Australia, etc. I've so far only flipped through it so far but I can't wait to read into it more and and enjoy Punch's take on the history of a place that I know and love.


What a lovely Sunday afternoon!