Arts

13 Oct 09

An exhibition of 'Steampunk' art opens at Oxford University's Museum of the History of Science today featuring everything from clockwork creatures to mechanical wombs.

The exhibition, curated by US artist Art Donovan, showcases the work of 18 craftsmen from around the world.

The term 'Steampunk' is used to describe a style that brings together the aesthetics of 19th Century visionaries such as Jules Verne with scientific discoveries and fantastical alternative histories.

Beholder by Daniel Proux

Exhibitor Doctor Grymm said: 'Today, the Steampunk movement is alive with artistic creation and ideas to bring 'a world that never happened' into reality. Steampunk artists create an alternative world not bound by the modern millennial conventions of physics, science and convenience technology.'

Expect candle-powered engines, clockwork hearts, brass goggles and the very latest in Steampunk techno-chic, the state-of-the-art 'eye-pod'.

'Steampunk' runs at the University of Oxford Museum of the History of Science from 13 October 2009 to 21 February 2010.