Great Petition is a Public Art located in Burston Reserve, near the Victorian State Parliament Building, in Melbourne, Australia. The sculpture was commissioned by the State Government of Victoria and the City of Melbourne, designed by artists Susan Hewitt and Penelope Lee.
The Big Petition sculpture is a 20-metre-long scroll which goes on the ground and seems to reappear on the next pathway. It was unveiled on 3 December 2008 to commemorate the centenary of women’s suffrage in Victoria.
The sculpture refers to the “Monster Petition” calling for women to be granted the right to vote, which was signed by 30,000 Victorian women over a period of six weeks in 1891. The original petition, which consists of sheets of paper glued onto lengths of calico fabric, is 260 metres long and is held by the state’s Public Record Office.
It’s a really unusual (for me) sculpture, but with an excellent backstory which you did well to bring to light. Cheers Teresa!
Yes, with the explanation, it is easier to understand where the sculpture is coming from.
How interesting – what a wonderful interpretation of the petition. I’d love to see the original too.
Sorry, didn’t think to post about the historical photos.
That’s a beautiful sculpture, Teresa and your photos are wonderfully composed.
Thanks Dan!
I love this sculpture, Teresa. Fascinating, I took several pictures of it when I was in Melbourne. I love seeing it in the fall colors. The leaves add to the beauty. It has great meaning as well for all of us women. Thanks for sharing it.
My pleasure Marsha! I agree the colour of the leaves add beauty. Thanks my dear!
When I find my post, I’ll send you a link.
I really like this – it looks elegant and tells a great story 🙂 Your photos with the fallen leaves in the foreground are very effective!
Thanks, glad you liked it, Sarah!
Brilliant placement and autumn setting.
Thanks Manja! ❤️
Beautiful art and very meaningful!
Thanks Rebecca. ❤️
This is an interesting sculpture 😀
Yes for sure, glad you found it interesting!
I wouldn’t have guessed what it relates to, but now you’ve explained it makes perfect sense, Teresa.
It is easier to understand the sculpture from afar. I hope I explained it well.
You did.
Your photographs of this sculpture are really great, Teresa, and thanks for bringing it to our attention. I guess a lot of people don’t know about this.
I am guessing people just pass this sculpture without even knowing what it means. It is in the middle of the city near the train station so a lot of people are aware that it is there.