Blue Origin Lobby with Vernian Rocket by SottoStudios and Scenario ©Blue Origin

The Jules Verne book that inspired the “Gradatim Ferociter” Rocket design.

Blue Origin Aerospace

Kent, WA

SottoStudios design also enters the world of public art, conveying the emotion and vision of a corporation, or just inspiring the viewer. Eddie Sotto was commissioned by Blue Origin's founder Jeff Bezos to design this large 19th century rocket sculpture inspired by the Book "From the Earth to the Moon" by Jules Verne. We took the position that the book was non-fiction! Convincing as a real artifact by it's riot of authentic detail and “restored” after being found in a cave for a century.

Found with its victorian interior intact, it was repurposed as a small conference room. This lobby centerpiece "fireplace" rests on it's own gantry among many inspirational space artifacts that reflect the passion for space travel that is the DNA of this special rocket factory.

Built in collaboration with Cockram/Scenario and the Seneca group. Sotto also penned the matching "Gradatim Ferociter" crest for which the Vernian rocket was named.

Special thanks to Jeff Bezos, Chris Crump, Paul Buckley, Joel Eby, Jules Verne, US Grant, Captain Nicholl and all those who supported and participated in the restoration of this early piece of Space history and for allowing us to share it. Congratulations and thanks to our friends at Blue on all your success. Graditim Ferociter!

The Verne Rocket takes it’s name from the company Crest, “Gradatim Ferociter”. This Crew capsule escape test flew at the time of the Rocket’s premiere.

EXPERIENCE the Story through its many details.

The 1898 interior was restored to it’s former glory..

EXPLORE the Captain’s sketchbook, archival images of construction, and the lavish interior.

Verne's Dream?

What if the story was true?

Working Vanes

The copper flaps are controlled from inside.

Gantry relocated from the cave

Underbelly

The engine is shock mounted on leaf springs in massive casting. Fuel tanks are exposed and are serviceable.

Hall of Space lobby

Gantry "Clamp"

Dedication Plaque

“Gradatim Ferociter” is the ship’s moniker.

Cave find 2004

Rocket found in deserted cave and restoration begins!

Nicholl's sketchbook

We restored from this treasure.

Captain Nicholl's sketchbook

Section of test firing chamber

Section of secret test chamber

Secret Chamber Construction 1879

Note Government sign.

Assembly view

Rocket pioneered ejectable “stages”.

Gantry Detail

Nicholl's Engine concept

Blueprint found!

Sicilian draftsman named Sottosanti worked for Nicholl.

Nicholl's field office

Note blueprint, plaque and model in jar.

Nicholl Engineering Dept

Rare shot, note Navigation scope, battery, and drawing.

Prelaunch

Verne and Nicholl in rare photo

Test Firing

Nicholl watches unmanned firing

DC Filament Lighting

Gyroscopic Navigation Section

Gyroscopic navigation control

Navigation Scope Sketch

Navigation Scope

(Calculations were found on the tiny pad)

Luxury in Space

Gimbaled Lighting

Lamps sway to allow for sideways flight.

Nicholl's bed

Whisky Bar

For medicinal purposes only.

Comforts of Home

Pictures of the Baltimore Gun Club, engineering books, images of astronomy.

High Function

Floor removes to service Engine

Oxygen Vents

Climate control beneath each seat

Zero G Urinal

Yes, it has it.

(1890) 38 Star American Flag

Perfect for Moon landings.

Cooling System

Running water, quite a luxury!

First impression

All electric controls

Exposed wiring

Easily serviced and battery powered.

Mind thy head!

Practical lighting

Adjustable mirrors direct light for repair.

Red Running lights

To allow visibility of the stars

Weight sensitive construction

Thruster controls

Lost cylinder

Dedication speech found on lost cylinder! Nicholl speaks!

President Grant Visit

Seen inside, he funded the program secretly after the Civil War.

Grant's Inaugural medal.

Gifted to Nicholl upon his visit.

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HEAR the original 1898 dedication speech discovered on a wax Edison Cylinder!