Two University of Melbourne engineering students have brought to life a mechanical volcano designed in 1775 to mimic Mount Vesuvius eruptions. Using modern technology, they recreated Sir William Hamilton's vision after 250 years. The device is now on display at the university's Baillieu Library.
A mechanical artwork conceived in 1775 by Sir William Hamilton, British ambassador to Naples and Sicily, has erupted into reality for the first time. Hamilton, a volcanology enthusiast, envisioned a device blending art and mechanics to capture the lava flows and explosions of Italy's Mount Vesuvius, inspired by a 1771 watercolor by Pietro Fabris. A preserved sketch in the Bordeaux Municipal Library guided the modern reconstruction, though it remains unclear if Hamilton ever built the original clockwork mechanism. Dr. Richard Gillespie, Senior Curator in the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, launched the project. “It is fitting that after 250 years exactly, our students have brought this dormant project to life,” Gillespie said. “It is a wonderful piece of science communication. People around the world have always been fascinated by the immense power of volcanoes.” Master of Mechatronics student Xinyu (Jasmine) Xu and Master of Mechanical Engineering student Yuji (Andy) Zeng spent three months in The Creator Space workshop constructing it. They employed laser-cut timber and acrylic, programmable LED lighting, and electronic controls to simulate glowing lava and bursts, adapting Hamilton's design. “The project offered a wealth of learning opportunities. I've extended many skills, including programming, soldering and physics applications,” Xu said. Zeng added, “It was a fantastic way to build my hands-on problem-solving skills. 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.” Research engineer Andrew Kogios supervised the work and praised the students' growth. “From selecting materials and 3D printing, to troubleshooting electronics and satisfying requirements, working collaboratively with Yuji and Xinyu has been extremely rewarding,” Kogios said. The device serves as the centerpiece of The Grand Tour exhibition at the Baillieu Library, where it will remain on display until June 28, 2026.