In 1775, British diplomat Sir William Hamilton developed plans for a mechanical model that would recreate the eruption of Mount Vesuvius through light, movement, and clockwork. While the device was never built, his design was preserved in a Bordeaux library for more than 200 years.
Now, a pair of engineering students at the University of Melbourne has brought Hamilton’s concept to life for the first time.
Sir William Hamilton was more than a diplomat. Serving as ambassador to Naples and Sicily from 1765 to 1800, he became a leading amateur volcanologist of his time. He observed eruptions of Vesuvius in 1767, 1779, and 1794, and meticulously recorded the changes to the volcano’s 4,000-foot crater after each event.
Hamilton based his design for the Vesuvius model on a 1771 watercolor by British-Italian artist Pietro Fabris, Night View of a Current of Lava, which showed the bright glow of lava at night. He intended to recreate this effect mechanically, using light and movement to simulate an eruption. Although it is unclear whether he ever built a prototype, his detailed plans, which survived at the Bordeaux Municipal Library, served as the basis for the recent reconstruction.
Reconstructing a Lost Design
Dr. Richard Gillespie, Senior Curator in the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, initiated the reconstruction project and oversaw its progress from concept to completion.
“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 constructing the device in the university’s Creator Space workshop. They adapted Hamilton’s original clockwork design to use modern materials, including laser-cut timber, acrylic, programmable LED lighting, and electronic control systems, while maintaining the intended visual effect. Many of the engineering challenges they encountered were similar to those Hamilton likely faced with his original concept.
“We still faced some of the challenges that Hamilton faced,” Zeng said. “The light had to be designed and balanced so the mechanisms were hidden from view.”
Concealing the machinery to maintain the illusion was central to Hamilton’s vision. To achieve this, the students had to think as both engineers and visual effects designers.
Science Education in a Different Era
Hamilton designed the mechanical volcano as an early way to share scientific concepts with the public, allowing people to see how a volcanic eruption works without traveling to Vesuvius. By the mid-1700s, Italy had become a destination for European scholars and nobility, with Vesuvius as a main attraction. Hamilton saw that scientific shows and excitement could spark the public’s curiosity.
The finished project is now a main feature of The Grand Tour exhibition at the university’s Baillieu Library, on display until June 28, 2026. The show features artwork, records, and objects that show the importance of eighteenth-century European travel, while Hamilton’s device shows how art and engineering come together.
Research engineer Andrew Kogios, who supervised the students during construction, noted that the experience gave them hands-on engineering beyond the classroom.
“From selecting materials and 3D printing, to troubleshooting electronics and satisfying requirements, working collaboratively with Yuji and Xinyu has been extremely rewarding,” Kogios said. “Experiences like these, supplementing their university studies, position them well for their future endeavors.”
Austin Burgess is a writer and researcher with a background in sales, marketing, and data analytics. He holds an MBA, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, and a data analytics certification. His work focuses on breaking scientific developments, with an emphasis on emerging biology, cognitive neuroscience, and archaeological discoveries.