Public sculpture in Melbourne – Great Petition by Susan Hewitt and Penelope Lee

Despite its modern form and conceptual presence, “Great Petition” is a monument commemorating a pivotal moment in Victorian history, the 1891 Women’s Suffrage Petition.

The original petition called for Victorian women to be granted the right to vote through the democratic process. It gathered more than 30,000 signatures which was an extraordinary achievement at the time. Although the Women’s Franchise Bill passed the Lower House, it was ultimately rejected by the Upper House. It was not until the Adult Suffrage Act of 1908 that women in Victoria finally secured the right to vote.

A Sculpture Inspired by History

Created by artists Susan Hewitt and Penelope Lee, “Great Petition” was installed in 2008 at Burston Reserve, near Parliament House in Melbourne.

The sculpture references the physical form of the original petition itself, which measured an astonishing 260 metres in length when unrolled. The artwork stretches 20 metres and is constructed from steel, finished in a parchment-white coating.

Its elongated, ribbon-like form appears to flow across the landscape, partially disappearing beneath the ground where a footpath intersects the sculpture. This subtle integration into the site suggests continuity, a visual metaphor for progress that moves beneath and through society.

Public Response & Contemporary Commemoration

As with many contemporary public artworks, “Great Petition” has attracted mixed responses. Some critics argue that such a significant historical milestone would be better commemorated with a traditional figurative bronze sculpture.

However, its rounded edges and flowing form give the work a quiet elegance. Independent of its historical context, it stands as a refined and visually engaging piece of public art.

That said, when a modern sculptural language is used to represent a major historical event, debate is perhaps inevitable. Public monuments carry the weight of collective memory, and expectations around their appearance often lean toward tradition.

Yet perhaps the contemporary form is fitting. After all, the suffrage movement itself was progressive, forward-thinking and determined to reshape the future.