While the curiosity factor in an Atmos clock is purely cerebral (you may or may not be aware that there is something quite unusual and ingenious about the clock itself), Automaton clocks are visually very striking its mechanically driven figurines that dance or simply appear in windows: humans, animals, angels, mythical creatures, ships etc. These clocks are very expensive and no longer mass-produced, I believe. There are, however, some variations of the theme that you can still find, equally brilliantly performed. For example, the rotating clock shown here is a high quality mechanism that will make an excellent centerpiece in any modern home library.
This 1816 etching by John Britton represents a typical home library during Regency. The library is located at Cassiobury Park and it was used similarly to many other home libraries of the time — it was essentially the most important room of the house and could be easily referred to as a family sitting room. A group of small dogs in the front sufficiently demonstrates the openness of this library to anyone and anything. At the same time, all traditional library features are present and their style is unmistakable. We see built-in bookcases that are architectural in nature. In other such libraries you would often see (apart from the books, obviously) various antiquities and curiosities. Small private museums of this sort had a long history, but in Georgian times and in the early 19th century the trend became very popular. As far as architectural styles, Regency designers preferred neoclassical decor, howver Gothic influences were also quite common at the discretion of individual owners who were inspired by the love of all things Medieval (as interpreted by novelists and poets). The furniture of this particular home library is typical Regency style (note the Grecian chairs), but the general tone has a certain Gothic air.
I am including some additional samples of Regency library furniture. I especially like the library steps and the breakfront bookcase.
It is no surprise that steampunk aesthetics are easily applied to home office equipment. A home office is really an extension of the traditional home library or study which reached the heights of design in Victorian times. So, if you want to achieve a sleek steampunk look you should start with a traditional home library design, not much different from what you can see in The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.
Jay Walker’s famous library can also serve as an inspiration. Note how the lighting has been updated, compared to the more traditional-looking libraries and some materials are used that would not have been common in the 19th century.
Now comes the interesting part. You can easily modify any modern office equipment to look “period”, thus creating steampunk items by definition. You can find tutorials on how to mod a computer, an LCD screen or a keyboard. Here are a few pictures to whet your appetite.
As you may have observed, there are several ways of creating a steampunk object. You can start with a modern device and add design and functional elements to it. Instead, you can use an existing Victorian era item and add modern capabilities to it.
There is actually an extremely simple way to make your own steampunk USB drive. Fine an antique lighter and use its case to house any USB drive you have!
