How To Create A Steampunk Persona

Steampunk Tauranga recently celebrated its second birthday and continues to grow. The question most frequently asked about steampunk is "what is it?"

Andria Goodliffe answers. "I believe definitions of steampunk are as diverse as the people drawn to it. And it's not just about clothes and fashion; it's closer to a social group for those inspired by elements of the Victorian steam era. Steampunk is a style that combines historical elements with anachronistic technological features often taken from science fiction. The essence is homage to the Victorian age, made sassy with additions from the Edwardians, dieselpunk and cyberpunk.

"Most steampunkers aren't historical re-enactors or cos-players, though there's plenty of scope for overlap or to develop your steampunk persona with fancy names and backstories."

Lindsey Morgan elaborates on that.

"For me it's definitely about creating a different persona and the costumes that display character. I've got two. One is a lady with a fondness for buttons, lace, feathers and braid. Her name is Lady Hannah Dashery-Buckle, a play on the word haberdashery. Then there's Professor Thelma Turgey." She laughs. "Another twist. Thaumatology has
been described as the art and science of 'wonder-working' – using magic to change things in the physical world.

"I like to imagine a world where the technologies of today are powered as in the past. Sewing machines that can embroider, but are hand turned, for example. Steampunk aligns with this thinking, where Victorian meets sci-fi fantasy."

Though steampunk has been in New Zealand for over a decade, the first meeting in Tauranga was in October 2017, a meet-up with like-minded locals. Only four turned up – the Morgans along with Ann Dugmore and David Hamilton in full steampunk gear. Lindsey and hubby Mick were not, but she's made up for it since, creating fabulous costumes with ingenious accessories.

"I scavenge op shops and garage sales to re-purpose old fabrics and trimmings to create something new. It's so satisfying to say, 'This outfit cost only $28 for everything!'"

Dressed to impress, she and Mick have been to many steampunk events. She reels off names. "Copper, Cogs and Corsets in Whanganui. The League of the Splendidly Attired in Thames. Steampunk Waihi. Steampunk Paeroa. The Endeavours Assemblage in Whitianga. The Extraordinary League of Pyroclasts in Whakatāne. The Lords and Ladies of Steampunk and The Steampunk Society in Hamilton. Air Krakens in Auckland."

Then there's the growing list of steampunk performances in Tauranga. Costumes on parade at last year's Cherry blossom Festival in Greerton. Two fundraisers: Around the World in (Almost) 80 Days and Blue Tache Bash (teamed with Artorama, an exhibition of fantasy artworks.) Teapot races andtea parties, and as an added splash ofcolour at community events like the Hot Pink Walk or as bearded ladies at the inaugural Fringe Festival in the Village on 17.

And Tauranga steampunkers yearly attend Steampunk the Thames, probably the largest steampunk festival in the North Island.

Ann Dugmore is another costume enthusiast with over 30 outfits. Her steampunk name is The Honourable Mrs Minerva Cholmonderley-Smythe, whose character changes with her clothes, from traveller to a Times of London artist and war gazetteer to Red Admiral of an interstellar cruise liner or trainer of birds as spy communicators.

"The Victorian Age lasted 63 years, time for numerous changes in ladies' fashion, including crinolines, bustles and hobble skirts, all under-pinned withcorsets and bloomers! The gentlemen dressed elegantly, wore top hats and carried walking sticks. I regret the informal modes of today. At my son's wedding I was the only woman wearing a hat!

"The Victorians adored detail, leading to a cluttered sense of interior design. We've got fashion books showingdaywear and ball dresses with frills, fringes and furbelows! We've even got patterns for Victorian plumbing and engineering."

Ann Dugmore as The Honourable Mrs Minerva Cholmonderley-Smythe

Andria Goodliffe is another experienced (and professionally trained) costumier, who makes outfits for herself and others, including steampunk men and the women who outnumber them.

"Creating fantasy costumes is a playful aside from the carefully researched Living History clothes and props I make for a multitude of time periods such as the Dark Ages, High Medieval and Victorian. Steampunk allows the use of historically inaccurate fabrics, styles and accessories."

There's another factor, too.

"Stepping into costume you become a different person, able to relax among like-minded friends. For those of us battling mental or physical health issues, that can be a big help."

Lindsey, Ann and Andria are only three of the more than 300 members of Steampunk Tauranga. So what's next on the agenda?

"We'll continue to organise events we can invite the public and performers to, and contribute to what others are doing within the community," says Lindsey. "We're also keen to extend our craft skills to include ingenious objects and machines. Like the Trifa my husband made recently – part-tricycle, part-sofa, and running well on engine power."

Sounds like Steampunk Tauranga intends to carry on time-travelling within their unbounded imagination between fantasy pasts and speculative futures.

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Jenny Argante

Jenny Argante is a writer and editor with over 30 years of experience, and a life member of Tauranga Writers, New Zealand's longest-running self-help group for writers.