Model of a 30-Pounder Gun on a Pivot 1834

This model of a 30-Pounder Gun on a Pivot was made by an anonymous artist, at an unknown date. It’s a reminder of how deeply war and conflict are embedded in social structures. Consider the layers of identity and power at play when looking at such objects. Who designs them? Who builds them? And most crucially, who are they intended to affect? This gun embodies technological advancement, but also reflects the political ambitions and social hierarchies that drove military expansion. The model serves as a symbol of power and control, but can also evoke feelings of unease and reflect on the human cost of conflict. It prompts us to reflect on the complex relationship between human innovation and its consequences.