5104 - Hotchkiss Naval Gun Video

https://vimeo.com/111844938

CHC - Fictional account based on the object

It’s becoming a common occurrence for me to not know whereabouts I am. Every time I have been carried in the same carriage, and surrounded by the same deafening roar of enemy gunfire, but there is a different smell in the air. I can only gather a few details about each place I have been to. Those are in the minutes where I am held, unlocked and fired. My trademark, handcrafted shells leave parts of me ingrained in the earth, and that is how I will be tied to these affairs later into the future.

The strained noises the men make when they carry us out threatens to put me out of use, I know all too well how heavy my metal work is. But when it comes down to the job at hand, my release is very accurate and I’m sure the winnings are greater than the issues with my aesthetics. It’s surprising my aim is so steady when the air seems to tilt and the waters below come up to meet my gaze. I’m a loyal companion to my holder though, and I am cool to the touch when he feels nauseous. My uses aren't just for destroying; I am often pressed to my holder’s forehead during rough tilts, or presented at awarding ceremonies to be thanked.

There are times where I work hand in hand with the crew; those are the most exciting times for me. I feed off their passion for war and their adrenaline as they position my stand and yell ‘FIRE!’ On the odd occasion I will listen to their idle discussion, but it bears no interest to me. I have no time for their private lives, or for the women they had left behind. Most of the time, it is a struggle for me to understand the words they say. From the small amount of English I know, I can tell that I have been to the UK, and the rest I presume is around my homeland of France.

When I hear from up ahead that the enemies’ torpedo boats have been taken down, it’s a huge relief for me, and also a thrill. The fire passes through my armour like a surge of energy through an athlete’s body, and when victory is announced, it is the greatest honour.

All of that seems to be a distant memory to me now. Since the new guys came in, who are lighter and much faster at reloading than I am, I was soon enough taken away and forced into retirement. I dreamt that my owners would take me to a beautiful home where I could create a positive reflection from humans who will gaze and smile at me for countless hours. I’ll always stand proud on my plinth for what I did but no longer will that be noticed. The cold dark warehouse filled with many other forgotten lives is where I now slumber, hopefully not until the end of my days.

Nevertheless, my old heart remains hopeful.

CHC - Sighting/Site-ing the Object

Brown Bess Musket

What materials are used - Iron, wood, brass, steel
What colours have been chosen - Brown, black, silver
Where is it positioned in the room - Centre of a narrow hall, high in a glass cabinet
What objects are around it - Other variations of Birmingham made pistols/guns
Is there a theme to the objects in the room - 18th Century Birmingham made guns
How is the object and room lit - Bright artificial/modern white lighting with slight natural light
What kind of room is it - Narrow halls, modern white walls
Does the room fit a particular style - Very much like a showcase
Does the room feel modern - Definitely, brand new