Don't call me Sir! I work for a living: Steampunk Style 10

Steampunk has many facets and it is wonderful escapism to become a Steampunk Lord and Lady, or an Airship Pirate, or a dashing military hero... but what about the butchers? The bakers? The candlestick makers?

The Victorian working class was enormously varied. The advent of the Industrial Revolution created jobs that simply did not exist in the Agricultural Economy that pre-dated industry. Farm hands became factory workers, stable lads became train drivers, milk maids turned to house maids, and the list goes on.

This topic is too vast to cover in one chapter, but we will make a start with a small selection of the new breed of workers, providing services to the newly urban population .

The new Steampunk middle class

These three chaps could have any number of jobs. Could they be a banker, a tailor, and a shopkeeper? Perhaps they are a bookmaker, a journalist, and a printer. Who knows? What is clear is that these three work for a living, but they are of the new middle class. The smart suits with sharp tailoring set them apart from the labouring masses.

Steampunk Landscape Gardener or Surveyor perhaps?

This chap looks like he is a Surveyor, or Landscape Gardener. I could see him meticulously plotting out a Capability Brown inspired design on a country estate.

Steampunk Professional Drivers

These chaps are drivers, chauffeurs maybe, or perhaps they drive the new fangled Omnibus or Trams? Either way, they look smart in their caps and coats.

Steampunk Naval Architect or Draughtsman

Here we see an architect, or perhaps draughtsman, making a site visit to oversee the construction of a new factory, or battleship. The detail showing a pen or pencil pocket in matching fabric is a nice touch, as is the plan case. I like to think this chap is a Naval Architect, building a Steam-powered Dreadnought for the Imperial Navy.

A Steampunk Engineer

Is this Isambard Kingdom Brunel himself? Overseeing the construction of the Rotherhithe Tunnel, no doubt. Turned up trouser cuffs, and ankle boots show he is not afraid to get down on site - but he doesn't want to ruin his clothes. The briefcase carries his papers and equipment, and packed lunch too.

A sharply dressed fellow sporting the latest in sleeveless frock coat over waistcoat.

These guys are sharp. They are probably Lawyers, Accountants, or Salesmen, sporting the latest in Dandy Fashion. I wouldn't trust any of them if I were you 😉

Butler, Chauffeur, and Housekeeper from a Steampunk Household

Domestic Service was a step up from the hard working life of the factory floor, or down the pit. Becoming a Butler, a Chauffeur or a Housekeeper was a good career choice for the Victorian working class. These three clearly work for an Avant Garde Lady About Town. Their uniforms are as sharp as a razor.

And to end this brief look at the newly created middle class of the Victorian Era, where would Steampunk be without the Scientists and Inventors? More on them in coming chapters.

Steampunk Scientists & Inventors

Read and see more Steampunk Fashion Styles, archetypes, tropes, and characters during your coffee break at www.dieseltopia.com.

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