Steampunk is a subgenre of science fiction that incorporates technology and design inspired by 19th-century industrial steam-powered machinery. Steampunk may also include alternative history, the array of literature, fashion, and art.

It’s a literary style that draws on the retro-futuristic aesthetic popularized by movies such as The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and Big Trouble in Little China, and more recently, the TV series Doctor Who.

Steampunk works are typically set in an alternative history where steam power is still widely used (or at least in common use) in the late 19th century and early 20th century.

Characters often wear clothing, makeup and hairstyles influenced by the Victorian era, or even earlier periods like the 1700s or 1800s; they also enjoy playing music on antique instruments (like pianos).

The essence of Steampunk: a combination of modern technology with the aesthetics of Victorian era design. The term “Steampunk” was coined in the late 1990s by American writer K W Jeter to describe a type of speculative fiction taking place mostly during an alternate Victorian era. This period was idealized as being a return to simpler days when people lived together in harmony with nature rather than being disconnected from it.

In the late 18th century, the industrial revolution was in full swing. Machines were beginning to replace humans in tasks that were once done by hand.

This led to a decrease in demand for workers and a resulting shortage of labor. As time went on and new technologies became available, these tradesmen saw their skills become obsolete. They began to realize that people would still be able to do what they did best regardless of the fact that someone else could make a machine do it better than them. As such, many people begin looking for other ways to make money and support their families. Some turned toward writing about their experiences as this was something that had always interested them; others turned toward creating fanciful stories about alternate worlds where things like steam-powered technology were common place.

In 1851, PHINEAS BANNING left Philadelphia on a 3,000-mile journey to make his fortune in the wild, wild West. The San Pedro Bay where he landed was little more than a shallow mudflat. Fueled by the power of Banning’s vision, ambition, and embrace of technology, it eventually became a transportation gateway that brought the rest of the country, and eventually the world to Los Angeles.

With his wonderful “go-ahead spirit” and firm belief in the power of progress, Phineas Banning definitely channeled the industrial energy and romantic swagger of the Victorian era in which he lived. At the same time, General Banning’s enduring penchant for intrigue, political maneuvering, and business rivalry was evidence that the man had his “punk” side as well. Phineas Banning absolutely was Steampunk.

The theme for this year’s 2023 Friends of Banning Museum’s annual fundraiser, Wisteria Regale, is “THE TIME MACHINE” Saturday March 25, 2023. Here’s your chance to help support the efforts of the Friends of the Banning Museum to protect and preserve the beautiful Banning Museum and have a great time doing it. Guests are invited to dress in their Steampunk best. Join us as we travel back in time through the eyes of H.G. Wells. Get your Steampunk attire together. Start with a Victorian outfit, which might include a vest, corset, top hat, overcoat or dress. Then, accessorize your costume with things like leather belts, buckles, gloves, and goggles. In keeping with the time travel theme, consider adding pocket watches, binoculars, gears, and industrial-looking accessories. But, in the end, stay “punk” and wear whatever makes you feel awesome! For more information and to purchase tickets call 310-548-2005 or reserve online at https://www.thebanningmuseum.org/

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Bio

Simie Seaman, enthusiast amateur photographer, history buff and collector of beautiful things. Simie is President of the Wilmington Historical Society.

email:simieseaman368@gmail.com

310-835-8177