Steampunk
THE RISE OF STEAMPUNK
STEAMPUNK HISTORY WALK
THE SURREY STEAMPUNK CONVIVIAL
Originally a phrase coined by the science fiction author K. W. Jeter, who was jokingly attempting to find a general term for works by Tim Powers, James Blaylock and himself, who were all writing science fiction based in the Voctorian period.
There has been a recent rise in popularity of “Steampunk.” It is a shared, worldwide movement brought together by the internet.
Steampunk is a celebratory movement (in some ways quite similar to the Pre-Raphaelite movement, in that it encompasses literature, art, and fashion, as well as other forms of media) centered loosely upon Victorian-based science fiction often influenced and informed by the work of authors such as Wells and Verne.
In February 2012, Surrey hosted an event where around 70 Steampunks enjoyed a 'history walk' of The Avenue, which was an event across three boroughs and five venues, with coverage by Phil Jupitus (Radio 4), and more recent events attended by the Deputy Mayor of Kingston and his family, as featured by the BBC. It was part of a larger Steampunk festival that spanned the boroughs of Kingston Epsom and Sutton: The Avenue in Worcester Park is situated at the meeting point of all three. The history walk included a humourous 'history tour' by local history enthusiast Clice Popkin, and a more serious talk about H. G. Wells and his links to the area by local author and historian David Rymill. David often writes about the local area and has an in-depth knowledge of the literary history of the area.
There is an annual 'Surrey Steampunk Convivial' - a celebration of Victorian science fiction, Steampunk and British eccentricity.
It is held in New Malden which is attended by people from as far afield as Birmingham, Dover, Kent, Bristol, Southampton, Bournemouth and Portsmouth, even Europe. The unveiling of such a sculpture would be a hugely popular event that could be highly publicised across three boroughs and via the internet, and could instigate the recognition of Worcester Park as a cultural hub with influence reaching out across the globe.
What is Steampunk?
Steampunk is loosely based around Victorian-based science fiction...so imagine HG Wells Time Machine/The War of the Worlds meets Jules Verne 20,000 leagues under the sea...the world of Steampunk is rooted in a retro-futurist vision of what the present might be like if the Victorians had imagined it.
Lots of people attending The Surrey Steampunk Convivial will be wearing alternate reality Victorian wear...think rocketpacks, top hats, goggles, corsets, ray guns...that kind of thing. It will be full of people who are bringing back simple good manners, and having splendidly dressed yet very silly fun. The motto of Steampunk is: "Be Splendid!"
Yet Steampunk covers more than just fashion and manners. Much like the Pre-Raphaelite movement, Steampunk spans other creative forms as well, such as literature, art and sculpture, games, fashion, film, jewellery, music - there are even sports and games.
So why the name, "Steampunk"? It was originally coined as a play on words, as a way of jokingly attempting to define a style of literature: Cyberpunk set in the Victorian period.
The "Steam" part of it comes from the steam power that was prevalent during the Victorian period - a period when it seemed that steam power could make almost anything possible...even steam powered rocketships to the moon...
The "Punk" part is perhaps a little misleading. Although there are Punks and Goths that are crossing over into Steampunk, Steampunk differs from punk in that it is not strictly a music genre.
Perhaps the punk part can be thought of as being the rejection of the mass-produced, plastic, manufactured, consumerist offerings that the large corporations provide for the masses. Many Steampunks will take these (albeit useful) items of blandness, and transform them into wonderfully crafted items that maintain the original functionality, yet are adorned with rich woods and brass, dials and gauges. Or sometimes, they will take household items and turn them into something that looks like it could work. Because steam powered rocket packs are just cool.
The tricky thing is, Steampunk is constantly changing, and it means different things to each Steampunk. So what I have given you is simply my definition of what I think Steampunk is - but the best way to find out is to attend a Steampunk Convivial and see for yourself!
Ben Henderson