We have a soft spot for Steampunk. Who doesn't want to combine the wonders of the steam-age with the present day World? Today all the interesting mechanisms of anything mechanical or useful machines are hidden behind injection moulded plastic. Back then, everything was bared for everyone to see (and fix). For the mechanically minded, it's a pleasure to see the gears, escarpments and lug nuts openly displayed. And for Bruce Rosenbaum of ModVic, it's his job.
Based in Sharon, MA (just outside of Boston), Bruce salvages antiques and vintage work and puts it to use in interior design, in furnishings and entire homes. Styled as the 'Steampunk Evangelist and Guru' by Wired Magazine, Bruce's work has reached the far corners of the world. His home is a massive homage to the Victorian age, synthesizing modern amenities with ornate shapes and motifs, complimented with iron, ivory and teak. The picture above is Bruce's workstation. Upon closer inspection, yes, it is actually a refurbished Organ.
Incredible. I perused his website, www.modvic.com and came across a plethora of even more work.
This here is another workstation, made using parts of a late 19th century Ophthalmometer. According to ModVic.com, "The 1800s Hammond Multiplex Typewriter can act as the computer keyboard.". Suddenly, new computers don't seem that interesting anymore.... don't you wish Dell or Apple made a line of products like these?
Right, so for those familiar with Tom Sawyer and the white picket fence, what if he had a proper, steam-powered (of course) paint sprayer? He'd probably get the work done quicker - might it have changed the story arc? This was created by Bruce for the Mark Twain Museum. I wonder if it actually works - I suppose you could generate enough power by hand-power alone....
For more work like this, I highly recommend checking out ModVic and seeing all the wonderful stuff there!
