What happens when centuries-old imagination meets today’s technology? At the University of Melbourne, two students recently brought an extraordinary piece of history to life—a mechanical volcano first envisioned in 1775, designed to showcase the fiery spectacle of Italy’s Mount Vesuvius.
The Origin: Science Meets Art in the 1700s
Sir William Hamilton, a British ambassador with a passion for volcanoes, originally conceived the idea over 250 years ago. Inspired by a dramatic watercolor of flowing lava by Pietro Fabris, Hamilton sketched a device that would simulate glowing eruptions using light and motion. While his mechanical volcano was never constructed in his lifetime, a detailed sketch survived in the Bordeaux Municipal Library, offering clues for a modern build.
Bringing the Volcano to Life
Fast forward to 2025: Dr. Richard Gillespie from the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology rallied students to reconstruct Hamilton’s concept. Master’s students Xinyu (Jasmine) Xu and Yuji (Andy) Zeng took up the challenge, spending three months in the university workshop. Using laser-cut timber, acrylic, LED lighting, and electronic control systems, they translated Hamilton’s clockwork wishes into a functioning model that erupts with light—a modern interpretation of an 18th-century dream.
Learning by Doing: Skills for a New Generation
For the students, the experience was as much about learning and collaborating as it was about building. Jasmine Xu found her programming, soldering, and physics skills pushed to new heights. Andy Zeng discovered the importance of balancing light and mechanics, so the volcano’s magic felt real but the inner workings stayed hidden.
Guided by research engineer Andrew Kogios, the pair navigated challenges like choosing the right materials, 3D printing parts, and troubleshooting electronics. Kogios highlighted how such hands-on projects prepare students for their future by letting them problem-solve creatively and work as a team.
See the Volcano in Action
The finished model is now a centerpiece at “The Grand Tour,” an exhibition running at the University of Melbourne’s Baillieu Library until June 28, 2026. It offers a captivating look at how curiosity, engineering, and artistry can come together, bridging centuries and sparking new interest in the marvels of nature and invention.
