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SUMPTUOUS STEAMPUNK NOIR
Historic Maldon embraces its dark side
A common quip amongst steampunk circles is that steampunk aesthetic emerged “when goths discovered brown”. It is true that steampunk shares many visual elements with the Victorian gothic - having both been derived from the popular stylings of the 19th century - but while some might argue that black and brown should never be seen together in one outfit, we would have to disagree!
On the first brisk weekend of July, The Harpies were invited to attend the inaugural ‘Maldon edition’ of the ever-popular Melbourne Gothic and Victorian Picnic. The picnic was held as part of the wider ‘Goldfields Gothic : Festival of Dark Ideas’ and was situated in main parklands of this beautiful and historic goldfields town. The rotunda was filled with olde world gramophone music and the gardens were arranged with a gracious gathering of gothic and steampunk souls dressed in splendid attire. Our very own Queen Victoria even graced us with an appearance! We took great enjoyment in sourcing an array of gothic-themed props for our pictures, and were pleased to note that the (anatomically correct, no less) human skull and Edgar Allan Poe portrait were rather popular on the day.
We must say that we have never attended a more well-dressed, well-mannered, and decorous gathering. Our thanks go to Valentina from Tansley & Co. and Misery's Malice for inviting us to attend - we do hope everyone enjoys our images as much as we enjoyed capturing them.
Stay splendid, dear friends!
TBH 🎩🎩🎩
[steampunk] [steampunkphotography] [gothic] [tourismvictoria]]
SUN, FUN and STEAMPUNK STYLE
The Harpies return to the FUNNEST festival in the Hills!
When The Brass Harpies first came together over a gin and tonic (what else?) we hatched an idea of taking steampunk to the streets, but had no idea how to go about it. We knew that steampunk was amazing, uplifting, joyful, emboldening - but how would we convince others of the same? So we sat and pondered what it was about steampunk that was so intoxicating.
Why did we feel compelled to dress in these outfits, and to seek every available opportunity to “Get frocked”? Was it simply because we looked and felt amazing? As Hepzibah once (now famously) quoted - “I can’t stop looking at myself!”. We agreed that self-esteem was a strong element of steampunk's charm.
Or perhaps it was the photos? The hilarity and boldness that comes from posing in Steampunk attire! What is it about a top hat that brings out the inner thespian? Not only was this something we saw in ourselves, but also in others on whom we donned a topper - and we will put a top hat on anything! And so The Brass Harpies were born.
We would bring steampunk to the world by gathering a plethora of splendid props and hats, dressing the unsuspecting masses, and then capturing fabulous photos within a beautiful picture frame. It was so obvious! We sourced everything we needed (including our perfect vintage pram, Persephone) and were ready to hit the streets. We just needed to find a street to hit... and so enter Emerald Funfest - our annual community festival in Emerald, Victoria. We felt FunFest was ideal for our maiden voyage, but there was still a feeling of trepidation. Would we be avoided? Would people look upon us with disinterest? Would people see us as annoying?
We needn’t have worried. Three years later we returned to where it all began - the FUNNEST festival in the Hills - and picked up right where we left off. With a much improved selection of props, costumes and captions, we continue to take great joy in laughing, chatting, and generally having a most FABULOUS time doing what we do. Thank you, dear friends, for helping us bring steampunk to the world.
Stay splendid, dear friends!
TBH 🎩🎩🎩
OUR NEXT CHAPTER AT CLUNES
📚 We like big BOOKS and we can not lie! 📚
A few years ago, when we were first stepping out in our steampunk outfits and generally being splendid, Millicent (who was a Librarian at the time) declared "We must go to the Clunes Booktown Festival all dressed up!!". This idea was born from her love of books, but also because Clunes is an historic goldfields town (and registered film location, no less) so why not look fabulous browsing old books whilst also capturing images against an era-appropriate backdrop?
So we enjoyed a weekend wandering the streets and stalls of Clunes and had SO. MUCH. FUN! The welcome we received from locals and visitors alike was outstanding, with many a photo taken and even a brief cameo on ABC's "Backroads". We were so thoroughly embraced by the community that we were invited back for the next event. Which of course was in 2020... and we know the rest!
Fast-forward two forgettable years and we finally made our way back to our beloved Clunes for the 2022 Booktown Festival. It was just as we remembered it. The friendliest crowds of any event, a beautiful setting no matter which direction you gazed, and most importantly of all - BOOKS, BOOKS, BOOKS.
As part of our preparation for the festival, we brainstormed a selection of spoof book covers on the journey back from Goulburn. You will spot several of these book titles and authors in the photos above, with each volume designed and created by the AMAZING Hepzibah - they look like the real thing! Can you spot them all in the pictures?
'Corsetry' by Lucy Lastic
'Mechanic's Guide to Dirigibles' by B.A. Tool
'Hygiene in the 1800's' by Sue Ridge and F. Luent
'Water Closets of the World' by I.P. Daly
'20,000 Gins under the Bustle' by Ima Harlot
'The Truth about Mary Poppins' by Phil. A. Stein
'The Lost Art of Chivalry' by Neil Down
'Increasing your IQ - How to Pass the Mensa Test' by Richard Cranium
'Modern Telephony' by Isabel Ringing
'Victorian Cosmetic Catastrophes' by Helen Backe, and
'War and Steam' by Izzy Nikanov
Ahh Clunes, you remain one of our firm favourites and we can't WAIT to return next year. Until the next chapter!
Stay splendid, dear friends!
TBH 🎩🎩🎩
WELCOME TO THE HOUSE OF STEAM!
🎩 Costumes, music, and SELF-ESTEAM! 🎩
Do you remember the first time you were introduced to steampunk? That initial tentative moment when someone convinced you to put on a hat, try on a corset, or don a vest and goggles? Did you, too, experience that wholly unexpected transformation when you glimpsed yourself in the mirror? The opening of your shoulders, the widening of your smile, the straightening of your spine?
What is it about dressing in this whimsical style that brings out the inner Thespian and playful child? There is something about stepping into steampunk that permits you to step outside yourself. Perhaps you choose to become an influential philosopher debating the enigma of life, or a scientist uncovering the world's mysteries, or an adventurer trekking to the untouched edges of the earth. Or perhaps you are simply an influential socialite looking rather splendid in your striking attire! Wherever you may travel in your mind, what others see on the outside is the sparkling glow that the Harpies like to call SELF-ESTEAM.
We recently had the pleasure of hosting our steampunk photo booth at Hepzibah's astounding geodesic dome as part of Dandenong Ranges Open Studios. For two days we set up our striking backdrop and went to work on unsuspecting civilians, dressing them from head-to-toe in steampunk and encouraging them to pose and play for our camera. There were more than a few "it's not really my thing" people in our cohort - but they eventually came around and you can see the results!
So we encourage you to think back and enjoy the memory of your first self-esteam experience, and to also consider the joy you have spread to those you have introduced to the splendour of steampunk. We don't, however, encourage you to spend too long contemplating how many outfits you now have and where on earth to fit said outfits, as that path only leads to despair... ! 😆
Stay splendid, dear friends!
TBH 🎩🎩🎩
STEAMPUNK VICTORIANA FAIR - GOULBURN WATERWORKS
🎩🎩🎩 The Harpies step back into the Steampunk Scene! 🎩🎩🎩
What better way to end a long interstate road trip than with a two-day steampunk festival? The Harpies were absolutely delighted to be invited to one of Australia's premier steampunk events - the Steampunk Victoriana Fair at the Goulburn Historic Waterworks, set against the picturesque backdrop of the Wollondilly River.
Travelling from Melbourne with a car bursting with whimsical steampunk props and ephemera, the Harpies steam-rolled their way to NSW (making several op-shop-stops on the way, of course!) to prepare for what promised to be an exceptional two days of steampunk splendour. We were not disappointed. The astounding costumes! The divine setting! The magnificent people! We have never felt so immediately welcome and at home. We also don't believe we have ever worked so hard or taken quite as many pictures as we did for this event 📸📸📸
Unfortunately we were so busy we didn't get an opportunity to sample all of the fantastic activities on offer - and there were so very many! From tea duelling, to parasol duelling, to costume parades, to Victoriana puzzles and games, to CWA Devonshire teas, to hobby horse racing - all topped off with a market alley that offered all manner of steampunk-themed temptations. Next time we will schedule in some down time so we may sample these delights!
We could not have asked for a better return to the steampunk scene than this glorious weekend. We made many new friends during our visit (including the neighbours of our AirBnB 😆) and we can't wait to return next year. Better start planning our outfits now!
Stay splendid, dear friends,
TBH.
The MOST SPLENDID WAY TO SETTLE A SCORE
☕️ 🤺 Never heard of Tea Duelling? Never fear! ☕️ 🤺
Many, MANY moons ago, The Brass Harpies happily organised a Tea Duelling Extravaganza to be held at Brass Harpies Headquarters, where a select few friends and steampunk associates would be invited to learn 'The Noble Art of Tea Duelling'. At last count, we had rescheduled the event three times due to lockdowns before we finally aimed for November thinking “Surely we will be out of lockdown by then!!”. As it turns out we were - but only just!
“But what on earth is Tea Duelling?” we hear you ask! Tea Duelling is (we believe) the most civilised, genteel and convivial method in which to settle grievances with your arch nemeses. Whilst dressed in your most stylish Steampunk attire, a Tiffin (Tea) Master or Mistress will officiate the pouring of the tea, the dunking of the bisquit into the brew marshall (freshly brewed hot tea) and the adjudication of the outcome of the duel- whether it be a nom, splodge, splatter or splash. We encourage you to further your research into this fascinating art (Google!) or if you are one of the truly curious, to enquire about attending one of our splendid Tea Duelling events!
After the duel itself we had a most enjoyable weekend doing what we do best - looking splendid, eating in abundance, drinking gin, hosting guests, and laughing a lot in the process. As the evening progressed we invited each of our guests to participate in our steampunk photo booth, the results of which you can see here!
Congratulations to Elspeth who took out the Tea Duelling Trophy and a bottle of Kraken Rum as her prize. Elspeth’s unique technique for monitoring the integrity of her bisquit was a true winner!
THE STEAMPUNK CIRCUS IS IN TOWN!
🎪🎠🎩 ROLL UP! ROLL UP! 🎪🎠🎩
... and prepare to be ASTOUNDED by the most splendid Steampunk Circus Photo Booth on earth!!
Last Saturday 3rd July the Harpies had SUCH pleasure entertaining families of the Dandenong Ranges with our Steampunk Circus Photo Booth. Under the Big Top that is Burrinja, we came with our extravaganza of costumes and props, and helped everyone to juggle, hoop and heft their way through the afternoon - capturing many a merry image along the way!
A big thank you to Burrinja Cultural Centre and Yarra Ranges Council for inviting us to participate in this fabulous school holiday event. The Harpies are always happy to spread a little steampunk joy around our community! 🎩🎩🎩
If you would like a copy of any of the images, please contact us at thebrassharpies@gmail.com and specify which of the photos you would like to receive.
[arts and entertainment] [festivals and events] [steampunk photography]
THE STEAMPUNK WEDDING OF 2021
When only the most splendid will do!
There are a handful of precious occasions in life that call for a truly spectacular show of celebration - events where the gathering of ones friends is essential, the consumption of a stupendous amount of food is mandatory, and the having of fun is the very first item on the agenda!
We were recently called upon to assist in the fun-having part of an occasion that had been many years in the planning - a union that had patiently waited through social change and pandemic before it could finally be celebrated. And for such a splendid and joyful occasion, why not go for an equally splendid and joyful theme? Did someone perchance mention STEAMPUNK?
Please enjoy a selection of pictures from what we humbly believe to be THE Steampunk Wedding Reception of 2021. The backdrop! The wigs! The clothes and corsets and hats and speech bubbles! We have never worked so hard - with a constant stream of people wanting to pose and pose again. We took over 450 images in total, with every single guest dressing up for a picture. Even the most skeptical guests donned a hat in the end!
What we enjoy most about these photos is the sheer joy captured in peoples faces. We have always known that steampunk is joy - but to see it in every single photo we take reaffirms that fact. This is precisely why we do what we do.
Stay splendid, dear friends!
TBH.
[arts and entertainment] [festivals and events] [steampunk photography]
Maldon Folk Festival 2019
Music, Minstrels and Mischief!
What a truly delightful weekend we enjoyed at the Maldon Folk Festival, despite the rather Dickensian weather that descended for the weekend. The wide and welcoming verandahs of Maldon kept us safe and dry, and the ever so friendly proprietors of Tansley and Co. graciously allowed us to use their shopfront as our morning station, whilst we busily captured the images of delightful passers-by.
We were positively overwhelmed by the talented musicians on offer, so much so that it made a challenge in choosing our next destination! We were invited to take refuge from the rain at the Roddy Read songwriting competition, where we were witness to a steady flow of talented artists, and the delightful revelers enjoying the music. We would like to extend our sincere congratulations to Matt Glass for taking the esteemed honours on the day, and also for looking rather dapper with gentleman’s hat and spyglass!
We were ever so delighted to have made the decision to board the Victorian Goldfields Shuttle, as it was here we were introduced to the atmospheric convict-Irish-folk of Witches Leap. Listening to their wonderful tales of an old Australia (enhanced by gin and tonics, as provided by the most hospitable Andrew) was indeed a highlight of the festival. Our thanks also to engineer Rodney, who graciously allowed us to step into the steam engine and toot the whistle, which we did with gusto, perhaps once or twice (or even thrice!) following which we posed for some rather raucous photos with the crew. We naturally would not have missed the wonderful Hepzibah as her alter-ego, Tracey Roberts, leading the glittering Tracey Roberts Quartet with verve and panache. What a positively splendid set!
To all the wonderful friends we made whilst strolling the streets, what a joy to have made your acquaintance. Special mention must go to John and Alex from Arty-Rex Duo, who lifted our spirits by filling the Sunday morning streetscape with song and harmony. To the wonderful Barbara who, when innocently passing by was asked by Hepzibah to capture a photo or two of the Harpies (perhaps in the gutter, and perhaps with gin) graciously obliged by taking several artful pictures that were truly splendid - we cannot thank you enough! Finally, the wonderful Peter and Renee from Maldon Vintage Machinery Museum - could there have been a more exceptional setting for our props and costumery? Or a more delightful luncheon than a Devonshire Tea amongst the wonderful curiosities of yesteryear? We think not!
You will find all of the wonderful images from the festival on this page -we do hope you receive as much joy from viewing them as we took in capturing them. We also hope they prompt you to reminisce on wonderful memories made, and we look forward to seeing our new friends back again next year, for another positively splendid event.
Yours affectionately,
TBH.
[arts and entertainment] [festivals and events] [steampunk photography]
