Living Between the Lines

Steampunk Goggles (the mind boggles)

20th March 2012 / 13 Comments

My research has just taken a new twist. A temporary twist I might add, hastened by a request from my late sister’s son.

My lovely nephew, he with Asperger’s and a deep interest in Star Wars, Games Workshop and Re-enactment role play, stumped me this morning.

Last week he requested a green cloak, a two-man army surplus pop-up tent a flash memory card and a foam hammer (the latter he is saving up for himself). All these items seemed easy to find and I could visualize them in my head.

He has been craving a Classic Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor P71 for some time and his requests do not usually surprise me.

This morning I received a text asking me to look out for big old clocks that no longer work as he wants the cogs and inner workings. Naturally, I was moved to ask,

“Why?”

Now, any mother knows that asking this question can be risky. Do we really want to know why? Is it not easier just to nod and agree and do what’s asked most of the time? Alas, I cannot do that because I have this thing about making things from nothing. You only need to read, The Doll’s House to see that my prowess in this area knows no bounds and my interest is easily roused.

The phone beeped.

“Steampunk Goggles –Google them if you like,” came back the short reply.

I needed no second telling. I Googled them. (So glad that dream I had about technology disappearing did not turn out to be true).

A plethora of definitions and explanations landed on my screen.

Did you know immediately what Steampunk Goggles were? I did not, I have to say, though once I had Googled the term, I realised that the phenomenon of Steampunk is all around us in one or another shape or form.

See these pictures of Steampunk Goggles:

Steampunk Goggles
Steampunk Goggles
steampunk aviator
Steampunk Aviator

Wikipedia says:

“Steampunk is a genre which came into prominence during the 1980s and early 1990s and incorporates elements of science fiction, fantasy, alternate history, horror, and speculative fiction. It involves a setting where steam power is widely used—whether in an alternate history such as Victorian era Britain or “Wild West”-era United States, or in a post-apocalyptic time —that incorporates elements of either science fiction or fantasy. “

Further reading up on the subject tells me that there is a wide range of definitions to choose from but that the genre covers literature, TV, film and more. Of course, you probably know this already.

One thing more though, is it just me, or do these Goggles closely resemble the glasses that opticians stick on one’s face when trying out different lenses?

Optician's version

Mad Max (not strictly steampunk apparently) has nothing on me!

One site I found claims that the Steampunk movement is about to move above ground. Has it been underground then? Visions of leather clad, goggle wearing, Top hatted ladies and gents climbing out of Victorian sewers  that spew steam into the atmosphere, come to mind.

On reflection, the whole concept is a little too unsettling for me but then I was never a fan of Punk when it arrived in this century, never mind a steam based version from the 19th Century.

It has been an interesting foray into something that was hitherto unknown to me though and for that, I thank James, my intrepid nephew who will doubtless flourish a pair of hand-made, uniquely crafted Steampunk Goggles at me, on our next visit or greet me at the door whilst wearing them. This I can forecast without doubt for only the other day when I phoned him, I was confused as I did not recognise his voice,

“Can I speak to James please?” I asked, thinking I was in conversation with his support worker.

“This is James,” he retorted.

“Oh, I didn’t recognise your voice, you sound…far away, different!” I said.

“That’s because I am wearing a gas mask auntie Debbie – hang on, I’ll take it off,” he said in his normal, matter of fact tone. No further explanation was forthcoming.

I’d love to arrive on his doorstep sporting a pair of Steampunk Goggles!

I wonder if my optician will lend me his?

I am an Author, wife to one, mother to five and grandmother to six. I live in the English countryside in Hampshire, UK, with my husband and two dogs and am a non exec Director for Glow www.theglowstudio.com.

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