ABOUT THE AUTHOR & CREATOR
Allow me to introduce myself…
I am Clayton Stabley—an author, artist, and creator driven by curiosity, craftsmanship, and the art of bringing imagination to life. As a retired U.S. Army veteran who dedicated more than two decades to the culinary arts, I eventually followed the creative spark that had been with me since childhood. That spark led to storytelling, art, performance, and ultimately the whimsical world now known as Gearinthia - brought to life through The Curiositorium of Cogglepotts, a steampunk realm of invention, wonder, and forgotten stories.
Originally from Pennsylvania, I have long been fascinated by steampunk, Victorian architecture, and the intricate handiwork of the 19th century. A self-taught artist in many disciplines—writing, drawing, painting, music, and character performance—I blend these passions into stories that invite young adventurers to think boldly and dream widely.
My most beloved creation, Professor Thaddeus Cogglepotts, was inspired by my two granddaughters, Madilynn and Madison. What began as a playful character soon evolved into a fully realized storyteller, inventor, and whimsical guide who now leads families through imaginative adventures, STEAM learning, and hands-on creativity.
My work is shaped by the things that have inspired me most: the whimsical wonder of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, the towering beauty of Victorian architecture, and the unforgettable experiences gathered during my travels to Germany and England.
Today, I continue to share my stories, art, and live performances as Professor Cogglepotts—encouraging readers of all ages to embrace curiosity, celebrate creativity, and rediscover the magic waiting inside every idea.
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ABOUT THE PROFESSOR
This is Professor Thaddeus Montague Cogglepotts—a fictional character brought to life as my pen name and storytelling persona. An artificer, inventor, curator of curiosities, and the ever-curious Professor of Imagination.
From the bustling, gear-spun city of Whimbrassel, I tinker with brass gears, glowing crystals, and time-bending contraptions inside my wondrous Curiositorium. Every invention—whether it clicks, whirs, zaps, or glows—carries a hidden story just waiting to be discovered.
Behind the shimmering brass doors lies a greater truth: Professor Cogglepotts was born from a spark of imagination inside a very real creator—a dreamer who believed children could rediscover wonder through stories, creativity, and hands-on exploration. What began as a love for the steampunk world soon grew into a character… then a persona… and now a living, interactive experience for families, classrooms, and curious minds everywhere.
When the first storybook was written—sparked by two beloved granddaughters, Madilynn and Madison—the Professor became more than a narrator. He became a guide, leading young readers through adventures shaped by curiosity, courage, riddles, invention, and heart.
I believe every child carries a bright inner spark—a gear that turns with creativity, wonder, and possibility. As we grow older, the noise of the world may quiet that spark, but it never extinguishes. Through the world of Cogglepotts, I work to turn that gear once more, reminding each visitor that imagination doesn’t fade… it simply waits to be awakened.
The Professor is more than a character.
He is an invitation:
• To dream
• To build
• To learn
• To believe in the Gears of Imagination turning inside us all
Today, the world of Cogglepotts has grown into a full experience—featuring storybooks, STEAM-based lessons, in-character school visits, interactive creations, art, and hands-on wonder. Every piece of this world is crafted to inspire families, educators, and young dreamers to explore the extraordinary hidden within the ordinary.
Here, imagination is not only encouraged—
It is celebrated.
Welcome to the Curiositorium of Cogglepotts…… Your adventure begins now.
