18th-century mechanical volcano roars to life 250 years later

The original idea came from Sir William Hamilton, British ambassador to Naples and Sicily from 1765 to 1800, who was also deeply interested in volcanology. His concept blended artistic expression with mechanical design to capture the dramatic visual effects of a volcanic eruption.

Inspired by the 1771 watercolor ‘Night view of a current of lava’ by British-Italian artist Pietro Fabris, the device was designed to use light and movement to mimic flowing lava and explosive bursts from Vesuvius. It remains uncertain whether Hamilton ever constructed the mechanism, but a detailed sketch preserved in the Bordeaux Municipal Library served as the foundation for its modern recreation.

Reconstructing the Historic Vesuvius Device

Dr. Richard Gillespie, Senior Curator in the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, launched the project and guided its development.

“It is fitting that after 250 years exactly, our students have brought this dormant project to life,” he said.

“It is a wonderful piece of science communication. People around the world have always been fascinated by the immense power of volcanoes.”

Modern Engineering Meets 18th-Century Design

Master of Mechatronics student Xinyu (Jasmine) Xu and Master of Mechanical Engineering student Yuji (Andy) Zeng spent three months building the device in The Creator Space student workshop. Using modern materials and technologies, including laser-cut timber and acrylic, programmable LED lighting, and electronic control systems, they adapted Hamilton’s clockwork-based design for today’s audience.

“The project offered a wealth of learning opportunities. I’ve extended many skills, including programming, soldering and physics applications,” Ms. Xu said.

Mr. Zeng said the experience gave him a deeper understanding of mechanical engineering in practice.

“It was a fantastic way to build my hands-on problem-solving skills,” he said. “We still faced some of the challenges that Hamilton faced. The light had to be designed and balanced so the mechanisms were hidden from view.”

Hands-On Learning and Engineering Skills

Research engineer Mr. Andrew Kogios, who supervised the students, highlighted the growth they achieved through the project.

“From selecting materials and 3D printing, to troubleshooting electronics and satisfying requirements, working collaboratively with Yuji and Xinyu has been extremely rewarding,” Mr. Kogios said. “Experiences like these, supplementing their university studies, position them well for their future endeavors.”

On Display at The Grand Tour Exhibition

The completed device is now the centerpiece of The Grand Tour, an exhibition at the University’s Baillieu Library, where it will be on display until June 28, 2026.