Steampunk goes mainstream!

This is big news for all you steampunk fans out there. From today (until 21 February next year) the Museum of the History of Science in Oxford is hosting the first museum exhibition of Steampunk art.


From redesigned practical items to fantastical contraptions, the exhibition, curated by Art Donovan, showcases the work of eighteen Steampunk artists from across the globe. So expect ’steam-powered’ computer mice, clockwork hearts, brass goggles and the latest state-of-the-Steampunk-art eye-pod.

A whole host of special steampunk-themed events have been planned (including one for Christmas) and they start today (and are listed below). And don't forget, to get you in the mood, Abaddon Books currently have five steampunk adventures in the Pax Britannia series already published, with Blood Royal coming soon and more to follow after that in 2010.

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Tuesday, 13 October 2009, 07:00 PM
Special Event: Steampunk Curator's Talk

Art Donovan, curator of the current special exhibition gives his insider's view of the Steampunk movement and the story of the exhibition.

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Saturday, 17 October 2009, 12:00 PM-04:00 PM
Family-Friendly Drop In: Lightning Strikes!

Discover the power of electricity, the story of lightning and make your own electric toy. This Family Friendly Drop In is suitable for children aged 7+.

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Tuesday, 27 October 2009, 07:00 PM
Lecture: Science and Technology in the History of Fashion

A public lecture by Sue Jenkyn Jones linked to the Steampunk exhibition. Sue Jenkyn Jones is course director for the MA in Digital Fashion Technology at the London College of Fashion. She is a consultant to the fashion industry and author of a number of books on fashion.

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Friday, 30 October 2009, 12:00 PM-04:00 PM
Family-Friendly Drop In: Steampunk Big Draw

Draw alongside our exhibition of Steampunk objects inspired by Victorian design, and create some Steampunk art of your own! Probably the funkiest Big Draw ever!

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Saturday, 07 November 2009, 02:00 PM-04:00 PM
Special Event: Steam Silhouettes

Have your visit to the Steampunk exhibition memorialised by an 'instant' silhouette portrait, the Victorian equivalent of the Polaroid. Steam Silhouettes will be created by Kathryne Beebe and Joshua Hatton. Free. No need to book.

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Saturday, 14 November 2009, 02:00 PM-04:00 PM
Family-Friendly Workshop: Tick-Tock Clockwork

Find out how a mechanical clock works and make a clockwork mechanism. This session is suitable for children aged 9+ and must be booked in advance - either by emailing museum@mhs.ox.ac.uk or calling 01865 277280. A voluntary materials donation of £5 is suggested.

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Sunday, 15 November 2009, 02:30 PM-03:00 PM
Table Talk: Cheap and Nasty?

Stephen Johnston presents a typical Augsburg sundial of the 18th-century. Free. No need to book.

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Friday, 27 November 2009, 07:00 PM-11:00 PM
Special Event: Gaslight - late night opening

The Museum's contribution to Oxford's annual 'Christmas Light Night' will include a late opening of the Steampunk exhibition, a family trail, performances of Victorian and Edwardian parlour songs, and a screening of Thorold Dickinson's film 'Gaslight' (the original version of 1940).

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Wednesday, 09 December 2009, 07:00 PM
Special Event: Steampunk Film Evening

Certain films have been inspirational for the Steampunk movement, while in turn it has inspired some contemporary film-making. This film evening shows a programme of cult and new Steampunk films. More details available here shortly.

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Saturday, 16 January 2010
Special Event: Makers' Day

Steampunk is for all the imaginative makers out there! This day offers ideas, materials, advice and inspiration. It includes Steampunk Jewellery Workshops with Amy Surman (booking required: museum@mhs.ox.ac.uk/01865 277280), a Meccano workshop with the Henley Society of Meccano engineers, Stalls for buying makers' requisites, and one of MHS's signature events: an exhibition 'for sale'.

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Saturday, 30 January 2010, 02:00 PM-05:00 PM
Special Event: Steampunk Live Manikins

An afternoon celebrating Steampunk fashion, ornament and jewellery, displayed by live manikins in the museum gallery. Come in your own steamwear - a chance to flaunt your favourite goggles.

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Saturday, 06 February 2010, 02:00 PM-04:00 PM
Family-Friendly Drop In: Magical Movies

What did the Victorians know about the moving image? Find out by making your own magical movie toy. This Family Friendly drop-in is suitable for children aged 7-13.

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Saturday, 13 February 2010
Special Event: 10/10 STEAM

The latest in the Museum's signature '10/10' days - open from 10 am till 10pm with a programme of talks, music, film and activities on the theme of STEAM.