The Admiration of Workmanship within Steampunk Function

The significance of items within steampunk homes being functional relates to the livability of homes and the comforts of the individuals within them. However, being able to visualize the functions and inner workings of objects is important in understanding the beauty of the products as well. Steampunk designer Datamancer claims that, “much Victorian technology looked the way it did because the techniques were brand new and the craftsmen of the time were keen to show off their handiwork” (Robb 170). He suggests that part of the beauty of objects is admiring the craftsmanship and the inner workings of products. Perhaps the emphasis on machine cogs within steampunk interior design and the genre as a whole reflects the appreciation of, not only what certain objects are capable of doing, but how they function. The gears and electronic workings of many modern appliances and technologies are encased and not visible and a marketing team member from The Science Museum in London comments, “Modern technology values function over anything else. Things are stripped down and smooth in appearance. Steampunk is a welcome kickback against this minimalist modern world we live in” (Fraser).

A beam engine built in 1840 by Benjamin Hick for a flax mill demonstrates the beauty of technologies that visually demonstrate their function and inner workings. Hick's engine was not only immensely powerful and functional, but beautifully crafted: "It has columns with papyrus-headed capitals, a mighty entablature inspired by a temple overlooking the River Nile, and the 'chronometric' governor to control the engine's speed takes the form of a scarab beetle" (Fraser). 

The significance of appreciating the usefulness and workings of objects over their purely aesthetic value may reflect onto individuals within the steampunk community. Jeanette Atkinson claims that, “Steampunks thrive on community interaction and the exchange of skills and knowledge with ‘like-minded practitioners and users’” (Atkinson 8). The importance of the capabilities and characteristics of individuals is greater than physical appearances, just as the inner workings and function of steampunk objects may be more important than their aesthetic appeal alone. While steampunkers may find their identities and feel free to behave as they wish within the comfort of their homes, the importance placed upon ‘inner workings’ of objects within steampunk houses may also comments upon how the ‘inner workings’ or characteristics and capabilities of individuals is prized over physical appearance.

Part of the aesthetic appeal of this steampunk watch is the ability to view and admire how the technology is able to function.