BJ Sears steampunk auction to take place in Chicago on April 16

Wright is to auction a selection of "steampunk" pieces built by film editor and college professor BJ Sears (1948-2014) in Chicago on April 16.

Among the highlights is an "Electrophonic Anachroscope" - the first of the 12 machines in the series.

Sears steampunk Wright
"I like not knowing where I'm going until I get there," explained Sears of his creations

Valued at $20,000-30,000, the mixed media lot plays clips from a film shot at the 1900 Paris Exhibition and includes a constructed history identifying it as a time machine dating to the turn of the century.

Sears explained the thinking behind his anachronistic creations: "I was adding digital innards to my pieces because I liked the idea of the confluence of art and science. I liked the idea of craftsmanship.

"I liked the idea of repurposing, remixing, assembling two disparate objects that result in some third medium. I like not knowing where I'm going until I get there."

The lot was the highlight of a 2009 exhibition titled Professor Sears' Electrophonic Anachroscope and Other Steampunk Amusements, which was held at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia.

We have a fascinating selection of antiques available, click here to take a look.

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