23-cm Palliser Shot 1868

This Palliser Shot, measuring 45.5 cm in length, was produced by the Royal Laboratory. It is an object of iron and copper alloy. Consider the sheer brute force required to create this projectile. Molten metal poured into molds, cooled, and then machined to precise specifications. The copper studs embedded in the surface, and the holes near the tip, would have been carefully calibrated to maximize its destructive potential. It reflects an industry dedicated to military innovation, driven by competition between nations and the relentless pursuit of technological advantage. The making of this shot connects to wider social issues of labor and politics. It’s a stark reminder of the industrial processes fueled by conflict, and the hands that shaped this object – likely anonymous workers, whose labor contributed to its ultimate purpose. By examining the materials, the making, and the historical context, we gain a richer understanding of this Palliser Shot, challenging traditional notions of art and design by acknowledging the power and significance of objects shaped by industry and conflict.