Bob Basset is an artist whose creations are as fantastical as he is; Bob Basset doesn’t really exist, he’s a virtual stand-in for the four talented Ukrainian leatherworkers who produce the unique creations under his name. The group is made up of Oleg and Sergey Petrov, Andrei Patlin and Andrey Makaruk, and has become an underground success selling to a niche group of steampunk fans, BDSM participants, and those who simply appreciate fine leatherwork and one of a kind items. Here’s a tour through some of Bob Basset’s most intriguing and famous works:
(Images via bobbasset)
One of Bob Basset’s newest creations, this steampunk toy takes the form of a dirigible meant for battle. Much like the giant airships that grace almost any story or film in the steampunk genre, this production has the clockwork elements and old fashioned aesthetic that marks it as a steampunk creation. Ships like this were the Victorian dream: beautiful in form and function, and powered by steam, the production of such ships would be incredibly green relative to the soot spewing machinery of the day.
(Image via bobbasset)
A closer look reveals the level of detail placed into each of Bob Basset’s works, as a small steampunk soldier is visible in front of a wall of machinery. This dirigible is even more interesting because it strays far from Bob Basset’s more common creations: masks.
(Images via steampunkpics, xtreamer, boingboing)
The upsurgence of interest in steampunk in recent years has been reflected by Bob Basset’s output, as they begin to concentrate increasingly on oddball masks that showcase the leather and metal aesthetic of the genre. One can’t help imagine these masks being used for survival after an ecological (and apocalyptic) disaster. Their fine craftsmanship almost makes one wish for an excuse to use them… almost.
(Images via hemmy, odditycentral)
Nature’s most famous fictional creature is undoubtedly the dragon; a creature revered by many cultures as the ideal mix of grace, wisdom, and danger. Bob Basset gives one the opportunity to explore the possibilities of a fictional past in which dragons could be carried around as pets. Each of these visually compelling dragons is a fully functioning bag.
(Image via coolthings)
Taking a closer look reveals dragon wings that look leathery and realistic. Each piece is a testament to the skill of Bob Basset’s leatherworking. They use traditional methods to come up with the most untraditional creations. They also often use resin, metal, and wood to add variety to their designs.
(Images via legox, affigold)
While the steampunk mask designs are interesting in that they hearken back to the Victorian era, many of Bob Basset’s masks are darker and appear to be from a future of ecological collapse. These post apocalyptic designs are a mix of BDSM and road warrior.
(Images via bobbasset)
One of H.P. Lovecraft’s most legendary fictional creations, Cthulhu is an amalgamation of all that is evil. Bob Basset has many models of this creature’s face, but this is by far the most detailed. One can’t help wondering if we’ll look something like this in a hundred generations, considering the amount of harmful toxins that are polluting our air and oceans.



