A Fusion of Old and New Elements: The Facts

Brian Robb suggests that, “Modding - meaning to modify - began primarily with ‘case modding’ by early adopters within the steampunk online communities, who customized their laptops, computers, and ipods, adapting various steampunk-influenced designs seen in comic books, in movies, or TV shows by adding cogs, wheels, steam pipes, radio valves, and typewriter keys. The aim is to disguise modern technology. Making it appear as though it had emerged from a re-imagined Victorian past” (Robb 167). Although Victorian England may not have been the greatest place to live for anyone other than the affluent, steampunk enthusiasts prize the design of the period. However, steampunkers interested in interior design may still want to have modern appliances and technologies. A MacBook and a flatscreen TV may look out of place within steampunk home decor, so ‘modding’ is applied to fuse the new technology with older and more elegant and ornamental elements.

The steampunk-designed computer in the image above was originally created by steampunk artisan Richard Nagy (pseudonym Datamancer) for his girlfriend, but was featured in the television series Warehouse 13 and, subsequently, inspired many fans to create their own, reflecting the common do-it-yourself spirit of steampunk design and aesthetics. The focus on modern technology blended with aesthetic features of the past is represented clearly, and the computer is made predominantly with parts from vintage typewriters (Robb 167-9). The designer claims that his work demonstrates, “the classical Victoriana [sic] with modern technology” (Robb 169).

The ‘Nagy Magical-Movable-Type Pixello-Dynamotronic Computational Engine’ is another creation by steampunk enthusiast Richard Nagy, who is self-proclaimed as, “a Steampunk contraptor, technical artist, and jackass-of-all trades” (Robb 169). The computer and its accompanying desk are examples of modern technology fused with Victorian elements. An Underwood typewriter from about 1907 acts as a functional keyboard, a ship port-hole has become the CD drive, and there’s even a flatbed scanner that is designed to look like a leather bound book(Porter). A fairly compact computer now takes up quite a large amount of space, but can be placed as a focal object in a steampunk decorated home.

The significance of Modding is the concept of re-using items that no longer have use to others. Mixing old and new elements, "fits with our current moves towards recycling and reuse, and reacquaintance with traditional crafts. These are emphasised (sic) because of the current economic recession, but they are one of the key elements of Steampunk culture. Nothing is thrown away; if something no longer works, an object or a piece of clothing is taken apart and used to make something else" (Atkinson 6). While mass produced commercialized products may be trashed by some consumers when newer models are released, or when the products no longer function properly, steampunk homeowners try to rework and reuse old and new items. Steampunkers may opt to purchase vintage merchandise or products that others no longer use because of their technologies, such as typewriters, and create something completely unique. Therefore, by mixing anachronistic and new goods, steampunk homeowners are able to reuse, recycle, and create products that are one of a kind.