"STEAM TURBINE" | IMAGINATION PROJECT 
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CREATIVE DIRECTION & SET DESIGN

 

Artistic Interpretation: "Steam Turbine" 
Client: UK Foreign Office | Great for Imagination Campaign
Photography: Ted Humble Smith
 

We were commissioned by the UK Foreign Office’s Great for Imagination campaign to artistically interpret key British patents throughout history, celebrating the UK's legacy of innovation through captivating visuals. This project spanned 2017, involving a close collaboration with photographer Ted Humble Smith to research and reimagine each patent into meticulously crafted visual narratives.
 

Artistic Focus: The Steam Turbine

For this piece, we highlighted the pioneering work of Sir Charles Parsons, a visionary engineer who transformed the field of electrical engineering. In 1884, Parsons developed the multi-stage steam turbine, a device designed to convert high-pressure steam into mechanical energy. By allowing steam to expand gradually through a series of stages, Parsons’ design maximised energy extraction while preventing excessive turbine speeds that could damage the machinery.
This groundbreaking innovation laid the foundation for modern power generation, with steam turbines now responsible for producing the majority of electricity worldwide.
 

Our interpretation drew inspiration from the ingenuity and precision of Parsons' invention. We visualised the interplay of mechanical structure and energy flow using handcrafted effects, favoring our in-camera approach to image creation. This piece became part of a global exhibition tour, celebrating the UK’s rich history of scientific achievements, and was also featured on the BBC One Show.