Every now and then I get a call out of the blue about a project that gets me really excited. Of course, I love working on all of my projects, but some allow me to unleash the possibilities, and have me researching odd topics and trying new techniques while combining a number of skills. This is one of those projects. Unofficially known as the “Prison Shitter” – this will be a complex steampunk-themed toilet, based on a stainless steel toilet designed for correctional use.
It’s funny, but I’m guessing that not many artists have a folder in the ‘art projects’ file directory for “Toilets” – but then I’m not your typical artist! This will actually be my second steampunk toilet (here’s the first), but it will also be much more elaborate. The separate tank will be mounted on the wall above the seat. Working with stainless steel will give me many options for attaching embellishments and adding patinas. I’m forming a vision, but who knows WHAT it will look like when I’m done! 😀
August 8, 2024 – The first thing I worked on was the tank. I found an old steamer trunk that I had (I actually have quite a collection) and used it to encase the rather plain-looking tank. I added a wood shelf I had lying around, and then worked it to get the plumbing through the trunk and the shelf.
Although my Dremel tool wasn’t working 100%, it didn’t take too long to make the necessary adjustments. I also replaced the broken leather handles on the trunk, and soon this phase of the project was done!
The next step is to make some copper panels which will be the ‘back wall’ of the structure, with the tank at the top. The open area on the bottom (top of image) is where the tank goes… there is a box that will go there because the toilet is 9″ on-center and needs to be 12″ I’ve run out of tacks for attaching the frame, so I’ll be finding something else to do until they arrive!
August 19, 1502: – Here is a mockup of where I’m at so far. You can now see how the back panel (shown above) has become the back wall to hold some of the parts of the projects, while the toilet is at the bottom. There’s a LOT more work to be done, but this should give you an idea of the direction I’m moving in.
August 22, 624BC – I’ve made a couple of brackets to support the trunk, which holds the water tank. I’ve made it so that some of the gears move! 😀
August 23, 1378: After getting many of the parts fitted together, it was time to take them apart and continue working on them. I added the last copper panels to the back ‘wall’, then had to clean them all so that they can age from the same starting point (that took a while!!) 😀
Here’s another look at one of the brackets that holds up the water tank (which will be inside the steamer trunk).
August 29, 1894: Here is a look at the toilet seat from a basic wood look to an aged piece with some chararacter!
September 6, 2362: I’ve created a “Time Machine” that will sit on the shelf below the steamer trunk (water tank). Here’s a video that shows how it works.
September 7, 1704: I just happened to ‘find’ some fun souvenir decals that work great with the “Prison Shitter” theme as well as for many locations that are special to the client. These are now attached to the steamer trunk (after a little aging).
September 9, 1946: I’ve got the plumbing set, and now just have a few more finishing touches before I can call this “done” 😀
