Steampunk is part science fiction, part alternate history, part art movement and part glorious excuse to build something improbable out of brass.
At its heart, steampunk imagines worlds where Victorian-era aesthetics, steam power, mechanical invention and futuristic ideas collide.
There is no single correct version
One of steampunk’s strengths is that it is not controlled by a rigid rulebook. Some people are drawn to Victorian fashion. Others build machines, make jewellery, write fiction, perform music, modify vehicles, create characters or simply enjoy the atmosphere.
Common steampunk ingredients
- Victorian and Edwardian-inspired clothing
- Brass, copper, leather, wood and mechanical details
- Goggles, hats, waistcoats, corsets and long coats
- Airships, automatons and imaginary inventions
- Science fiction and alternative history
- Upcycling, making and repurposing
- Music, theatre and performance
British roots
The United Kingdom gives steampunk an extraordinary historical playground: railways, industrial architecture, engineering heritage, Victorian streets, museums, seaside towns and grand old buildings all provide natural settings for the community.
The easiest way to understand steampunk is to experience it. Visit an event, meet the makers, talk to people and see what catches your imagination.