By Catherine Christy
Victorian, clockwork gear, copper and leather clad, the Steampunk subculture in Sheffield is not your typical vintage trend.
Victorian, clockwork gear, copper and leather clad, the Steampunk subculture in Sheffield is not your typical vintage trend.
In simple terms, Steampunk is science fiction meets Victorian history. More than likely, you would quite easily bump into Steampunks at vintage fairs and railway museums.
“You won't be able to go to a part of the UK without there being a steampunk group or gathering of some description.”, explained Matt Grayson, Editor of the Steampunk Journal and a Sheffield Steampunk.
Matt said that Steampunks have a lot of references when it comes to their attire. Much of the influence can even come from films such as Wild Wild West, Hugo and Golden Compass.
So at what point do Steampunks decide to adopt their lifestyle? Matt believes it is something you naturally get into “Steampunk isn't a sub-culture that you choose, rather it chooses you. It's something you're born with.”
Matt said that Steampunks have a lot of references when it comes to their attire. Much of the influence can even come from films such as Wild Wild West, Hugo and Golden Compass.
So at what point do Steampunks decide to adopt their lifestyle? Matt believes it is something you naturally get into “Steampunk isn't a sub-culture that you choose, rather it chooses you. It's something you're born with.”
“Part of the foundations of the British steampunk movement is to be splendid to each other."
The Steampunk sub-culture is not just about dressing up in fancy clothes. You need to have the right attitude which goes along with it - which is to be polite, just like they were in the Victorian era.
“Part of the foundations of the British steampunk movement is to be splendid to each other and I think that's a marvellous ideal to live by. Can you imagine what the world would be like if we were all polite and respectful to one another?”
Without a doubt, the Steampunk look always attracts second glances. Matt said some kids do point and shout but it was something he ignored anyway. He mostly gets stopped for pictures, especially at Whitby goth weekend.
“Part of the foundations of the British steampunk movement is to be splendid to each other and I think that's a marvellous ideal to live by. Can you imagine what the world would be like if we were all polite and respectful to one another?”
Without a doubt, the Steampunk look always attracts second glances. Matt said some kids do point and shout but it was something he ignored anyway. He mostly gets stopped for pictures, especially at Whitby goth weekend.
“He (Danny Mays) looked a little frightened as a man in a leather face mask, Freddy Krueger mask and glove with Victorian cut throat razors on his hand walked up to him."
One memory, however, would probably stick with Matt for a long time. It was when he met actor Danny Mays.
“He looked a little frightened as a man in a leather face mask, Freddy Krueger mask and glove with Victorian cut throat razors on his hand walked up to him. I simply said I liked his work, which he thanked me for and he seemed to relax that I wasn't going to reap his soul.”
“He looked a little frightened as a man in a leather face mask, Freddy Krueger mask and glove with Victorian cut throat razors on his hand walked up to him. I simply said I liked his work, which he thanked me for and he seemed to relax that I wasn't going to reap his soul.”
Matt has been a Steampunk for a few years. So what is it like for someone who has just joined the movement?
Sheffield steampunk, Peter Ellis, 52, who recently turned to this lifestyle since a Victorian themed Christmas market.
“Stall holders had to dress in Victorian costume. I googled images and saw steampunk. It was then that I was impressed by the whole look.”
Sheffield steampunk, Peter Ellis, 52, who recently turned to this lifestyle since a Victorian themed Christmas market.
“Stall holders had to dress in Victorian costume. I googled images and saw steampunk. It was then that I was impressed by the whole look.”
“She says that people were laughing and pointing behind my back.”
To Peter, Steampunk gives him the opportunity to dress up, but this only comes in once or twice a year. Other times, he tends to “tone down” his dressing by just opting for a formal shirt, fob watch or waistcoat - typical Steampunk items of clothing.
Like Matt, Peter has received some of the odd stares from across the street which has caused him to tone down in his choice of outfits.
“I have worn some of my stuff while out with my wife in the general public and she says that people were laughing and pointing behind my back.”
Despite such negativity, Peter strongly believes that the Steampunk community in Sheffield is a friendly and supportive one.
“All steampunk rallies I have attended have been really friendly and hospitable.”
So the next time you see a Steampunk, try not to gawp and appreciate their sense of fashion and politeness that takes you back in time.
Like Matt, Peter has received some of the odd stares from across the street which has caused him to tone down in his choice of outfits.
“I have worn some of my stuff while out with my wife in the general public and she says that people were laughing and pointing behind my back.”
Despite such negativity, Peter strongly believes that the Steampunk community in Sheffield is a friendly and supportive one.
“All steampunk rallies I have attended have been really friendly and hospitable.”
So the next time you see a Steampunk, try not to gawp and appreciate their sense of fashion and politeness that takes you back in time.
Intrigued by the British Steampunk movement? Head to Matt Grayson's webzine: https://steampunkjournal.org