Ever since I first saw 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea when I was little, I have loved the visual style of the late 19th century. The style of that era is great. I like it because it is very handsome and handmade but it wreaks of industrialization and excitement of science that we don’t quite yet have a grasp on yet. It’s like an exploration of what is possible, and thus can also look dangerous. And I remember the pen-and-paper RPG called “Space 1889” that had pictures of 19th century weapons and military people in flying boats. It was the industrial style juxtaposed in a future world…but I digress…the point is, this industrial revolution-era style finally has a name: Steampunk
I don’t think I like the name, but as long as it has a name that I can throw out I’m happy. Well, WIRED has a photo gallery of the “new” Steampunk design movement. There are also some other sites that feature Steampunk stylings and creations.
But some creations I’m not exactly sure why they were made. It’s one thing to pimp out your laptop to look like Steampunk, but when you’re making actual things that work in Steampunk fashion, that’s something a little over the top. One creation of note is the telegraph text reader. The video at the creator’s web site has the telegraph tapping out an RSS feed. OK…great…but why? How many people know morse code? And why would you want to get yours news in taps? But the telegraph looks great…and it does prove that you can integrate new technology with some classic style.
The only downside is that in order to make any Steampunk items you have to be well versed the art of metalwork, especially brass. So unfortunately it’s not something I can even attempt.
All in all, I think the look is just cool. It’s different yet familiar and at the same time kind of creepy. I think Jules Verne would be proud.
That monitor mod is fantastic. I don’t know if I could use the keyboard on a daily basis though. This may be a project for a rainy day (right after a MAME cabinet)