Both Doktor A and Mr Schweikert wrote to point out the delightful never-tech of the Museum of Lost Interactions, at the University of Dundee, Scotland.  A collaboration between the schools of Design and Computing, this all too marvelous project resulted.  Imagine that technology seen as quite new today, had actually had very relevant predecessors – that MMORPGs had originated in London hotel phone booths in the early 1900′s, or that in 1918 a phonographical mixing desk allowed musicians of the time to compose multitrack music alone.

It’s rewriting the technology of the past, from the 1900′s onwards – and while much of it is rather late for Steampunk, the earlier stuff is perfectly suited.  Very well done, those students and lecturers!

Ms Lev recently visited The Edison club that we posted about recently, and put her review of the venue in the comments – however I’m so glad she took the time to write, I’m going to put it in a post of its own. Her opinions are of course, her own – particularly with respect to concerns about future clientele. smiles

“After reading about The Edison here on Brass Goggles, I decided that it would be a good place to go on a Valentine’s day dinner with my boyfriend, Kit (who you guys might know as artist/designer Anachronaut, mentioned on this blog a couple of posts back).

The journey to The Edison was surreal in its juxtaposition of rich and poor… (more…)

Ms Vincent simply urged me to take a look at the official site for the upcoming Golden Compass film (based on the “His Dark Materials” series by Philip Pullman, and focusing on the first book, known as “Northern Lights” in the UK). The site is very pretty indeed, with a ‘working’ alethiometer to twist, turn and attempt to read. Certain combinations will reveal pictorial ‘answers’ – Ms Vincent sent me a few, but I’ll put them in the comments below if you want to find them for yourself. Ms Vincent is quite the fan, it must be said – and indeed has made her own alethiometers in the past! Alas, its been so long since I read the first one (my mother recommended it to me) that I’ve forgotten a lot of it – perhaps that will be to my benifit when I go to see the film! But beautiful vague recollections of wonderfilled Oxford University through the eyes of a child, coupled with perverse Steampunk technology, hot air balloons and the wonderful mystical alethiometer device itself, leave it glowing in my mind.

Zeriel (after reading about it on Mr W. Ellis’ site) wrote to point out the downright impressive work by Keisuke Kishi, an artist and creator of models and scenes.  The section I like most so far, is the ‘Nostalgic 21st Century’ with diving helmet adorned many legged machinery, to top-hat wearing mecha-snowmen (to the not actually very Steampunk, but very retro “Make more puppets!” propeganda poster).  I also recommend you look at the downright peculiar, but very Edo-Steampunk model of Peron-Tan in the Ministry of Mystic Machines, section.  Most peculiar, but very good.

Thank you, Zereil!

Mr Shuff, of the amazing 20kride site, pointed out an arcade machine by Sega that he used to adore – a sit down shooter set underwater, called The Ocean Hunter.  Apparently quite Steampunk, you and your companion (it could be two player) would travel the world in a hot air balloon, making your way around the globe to then dive into the depths and fight increasingly terrifying underwater horrors!

It was released in 1998, and I get the impression that whereever it was that Mr Shuff used to play it, is no longer available to him.  He misses it dearly, but took a rather blurry/liney video of the attract sequence on it – you can see it here, but I fear that it will not come close to conveying the feel of it.

Ms Lev wrote to attract my attention to a brief mention of 19th Century illuminated clothing – or atleast the desire for illuminated clothing – mentioned on Janet’s Enlighted Blog, a page devoted to ‘lighted clothing’.

Apparently it’s an image from the book, Disenchanted Night (Amazon.co.uk), a study into the psychological effects that increasingly clever use of artificial light had on people in the 19th Century.  The idea that people considered illuminated clothing back then (as well as having an alternative to the Eiffel Tower act as a sun-tower to illuminate the entire city of Paris) adds some interesting twists to how light was viewed in a Steampunk way.  Their hopes and fictions of fighting back the darkness – you can imagine that it was one small step from “Electric Jewels” on dancers (above) to top-hat torches and lambent airships confusing the night moths.

Vernian Process – you are a treasure! For telling me all about the new themed club/lounge in Los Angeles called The Edison.

While some doubt the Steampunk qualities of this very early 20th Century themed converted ex-power plant, I personally would give my second-last cog to indolently sip a Spot Weld cocktail, nibbling on some Tesla Fries and lounging in one of those rich leather chairs, surrounded by riveted steel and imagination-tickling shaped lightbulbs. I’ve been a fan of Tesla over Edison – but I’m not one to quibble when they’re both mentioned. I encourage you to take a peek at the rather well made (if Flash and music-spawning) page. They’re missing a few images from the virtual tour, but it looks amazing. My only regret is that I’m not there to see it in the blushing flesh – I mean, goodness – I don’t even like sweet potatoes, but I’d try them when they’re called Tesla Fries!

Once apon a time, in a faraway land, lived a Steampunk Princess, and this adorned her hand.

The above is a ring made by ~gandolfi over at DeviantArt, and Mr Hildebrandt thought it quite impressive indeed – quite appropriate for a Steampunk princess, should he find one.  *chuckles*

Designed in digital form, then 3d printed, it was finally made in silver.  Quite impressive – and especially so now I know the process.  I particularly like the little rivet details, though I worry that the bolt sides would chafe most uncomfortably.  But goodness – as if I’d ever get the chance to complain!  *smiles*

Mr Estee pointed out the work of the artist Mr P?kalski, and my – how he toys with Steampunk in a most enchanting manner!  Mr Estee found him via the Drawn.ca blog, and I’m very glad that he did – some of the pieces (such as the one above, named Nautilus) look perfectly suited to some Verne tale gone awry!  You’ll find sepia coloured images of the flighttimes of fictional airship routes, and multiple images featuring a top-hatted gentleman watching skywhales fly past.

There are some images where the ladies have decided to go unadorned, so wanton browsing not advised for those with more sensitive eyes (or employers).  It’s a great style, and very vibrant and distinctive!  Very good find, Mr Estee!

I’d like to thank reader Ken for pointing out the above delightful and airy PC case mod – a stained glass PC no less!  Constructed from canery(?) wood, lead, copper and obviously stained glass, it’s got a lightness and openness that is quite uncommon in PCs, I feel.  The combination of the wood and glass does make it seem like it would fit equally well in an art deco tearoom, or an earlier Steampunk glass roofed workshop (think the Time Machine laboratory, or snake garden in A Series of Unfortunate Events).

Very well made – but I admit, I picked my favourite image from the three posted – the others have less pleasing details (a  ‘wind’ kanji on the top, and a stylised ‘sun’ image on the far side) – so I’ll remember it as above: copper and wood, with glowing glass and a hint of bamboo decoration.  Very pleasant.