The Victorian Steampunk Society (VSS) was formed as a not-for-profit society dedicated to promoting steampunk within the UK. There are currently just eight full members of the society (MVSS) who co-ordinate and organise activities, managing the day to day running of the society and working on events, features, exhibitions and other activities.
Steampunks who attend VSS events are automatically afforded the status of Associate members (AVSS). Whilst events are primarily aimed at these members it would be impossible to run without their help. AVSS volunteer as stewards, facilitators, workshop leaders, exhibitors and ambassadors.
The Society also award honorary fellowships (FVSS) to individuals whom it is considered have made an invaluable contribution to the Steampunk Movement in the UK. There are currently four Fellows, Mr Robert Rankin and Mr Peter Harrow Esq. Mr Art Donovan and Mr Ian Crichton.
The Society also organises and runs a series of competitions and awards during the year to celebrate the best in steampunk.
In our first year, 2009, the VSS:
Advised on education projects incorporating steampunk Two MVSS also met the Foreign Secretary David Milliband securing his support for the aforesaid projects.
Organised the first ever UK steampunk festival.
Supported the first formal steampunk exhibition at the Oxford Science Museum
Raised around £1000 for charity
Organised and supported a range of meets, gatherings, camps and promenades plus visits to historic sites.
Exhibited at the huge MCM Expo to thousands of visitors and presented two features on fashion and the nature of steampunk.
Facilitated and supported music gigs, theatrical performances, markets and sales.
Promoted steampunk in the media through radio, magazine and newspaper interviews and articles.
Through 2010 the VSS built upon this phenomenal start and went from strength to strength establishing it's place as one of the leading organisations for the promotion of steampunk in the World. The Asylum festival doubled in size and established itself as the largest steampunk festival in Europe (incidentally injecting over a quarter of a million pounds into the Lincoln economy.) The VSS has raised even more money for charities and promoted steampunk at events across the UK.
In 2011 the VSS produced a major art exhibition ran a plethora of other events and saw The Asylum grow to its biggest and most successful to date. (Ultimately being voted best International Convention by readers of Steampunk Chronicle).
Initial contact with the VSS can be made by emailing majortinker@aol.com
