Steampunk HQ is an art gallery like no other. In the Victorian precinct of Oamaru in the South Island of New Zealand. It celebrates an industrial take on steampunk, a sub-genre of science fiction. Opened in November 2011 it is located in the former Meeks Grain Elevator Building. In front of the entrance is SPHQ001 steam train. According to the information plaque it was hauled from its underworld hunting grounds by the Field Agents of Steampunk HQ for immediate decommissioning. The 001 was once thought to be a great engine powered by subterranean steam factories; a fearsome contraption of murky legend. It was created by artist Don Paterson for Oamaru’s 2nd Steampunk Art Exhibition in 2010 and reinstated at Steampunk HQ in 2012. This was one of my favourite places I photographed last year. Arriving an hour before closing I took over 500 photographs before being the last person in there that day. I could share dozens of photographs of the weird and wonderful sculptures and contraptions inside.
Taking only photographs – leaving only footprints
