The Old Treasury Building is a key building in Victoria’s Parliamentary precinct; and rather appropriately located nearby is a wonderful sculpture by Susan Hewitt and Penelope Lee called Great Petition which reminds us of the long campaign for equal political rights for women. (Learn more about the sculpture via the City of Melbourne's Art and Heritage Collection.)

The sculpture refers to the 'Monster Petition' calling for women to be granted the right to vote in Victoria. It was signed by 30,000 Victorian women over a period of six weeks in 1891. It took another two decades before women achieved the right vote! The original petition, which consists of sheets of paper glued onto lengths of calico fabric, is 260 metres long and is held by Public Record Office Victoria.

Celebrated historian and museum specialist, Kenneth Park, will present a beautifully illustrated and fascinating lecture looking at the campaign for women’s suffrage in the United Kingdom and Australia. Kenneth will place a special focus on the jewellery, accessories, ceramics, banners, printed ephemera and other artistic objects that used distinct colour schemes and logos to popularise the cause.

Tickets for this event cost $15. Please book by sending an email to: info@kennethpark.com.au, then pay in cash on the day.

For further information, visit the Old Treasury Building's webpage about this event.