The Steampunk Robot
On the subject of Giant Steampunk Robots:
If the Giant Steampunk Robot Uprising ever happens, it’s a good idea to start getting on their good side now. Why not start off with a visit to our very own Steampunk Robot?
“Sextants that divided the sky into angles not found in the usual geometries, microscopes whose hermetically sealed lenses distorted the viewed object into shimmering rainbow images, other instruments whose complexity and manifold adjustments quite overwhelmed my powers of speculation as to their use”
― K.W. Jeter, Infernal Devices
(That is our absolute favorite quote about Steampunk machinery. K.W. is a lovely human being and an incredible writer. Sd thought it only fitting as the opener to our discussion of…
Blackthorne’s Massive Autokineton – Its Origin
Iris the Giant Steampunk Robot was commissioned by Jeff Mach, your humble host. She was conceived, designed, and built by famed maker/inventor Thomas Willeford* for The Steampunk World’s Fair’s episode of “Shipping Wars“.
(Blackthorne’s Steampunk comes both from talented guests and resident artists – check out Metal Art By Jinx, for example, resident metalsmith!)
For us, it means that, In addition to a Haunted House and an amazing bar, we’ve got a massive creation (right by the bridge, near the goat paddock!) How many other Halloween Markets have a seventeen-foot-tall Steampunk icon?
Here’s what Roadside America has to say:
“Giant Steampunk Robot
In the town of East Durham, on the property of Blackthorne Resort, there is a 17-foot-tall steampunk robot. It looks like a perfect representation of its theme and should please any steampunk fan. As you roll into the property you should see it on the left, inside a tall, open, prefab steel building.[Tyler Salls, 09/06/2017]
The robot is a permanent guest of the resort, and was built in 2014 by Thomas Willeford, a famous steampunk “maker.” He said he eventually wants to build a 25-footer with room for him to sit inside and operate the controls.”
Don’t forget to take a picture with Iris! (Take two – we won’t tell anyone.) Iris loves Trick-Or-Treaters; show off your costume while you’re here!
Her favorite Halloween candy is bonbons dipped in motor oil.
* Favorite Thomas Willeford quote: “Every mad scientist should have a death ray.”