Millicent Garrett Fawcett Statue in Parliament Square

A Historic Milestone in Parliament Square

The Millicent Garrett Fawcett Statue, unveiled on 24 April 2018, marks a historic first in Parliament Square, Westminster, London. It is the square’s first monument dedicated to a woman and notably the first sculpture there created by a female artist, Gillian Wearing. This bronze statue commemorates Dame Millicent Fawcett, a leading suffragist and social reformer whose lifelong dedication to women's rights culminated in the partial enfranchisement of women in 1918. The statue’s creation was driven by a campaign led by activist Caroline Criado Perez, who highlighted the absence of female representation among the square’s statues and successfully petitioned city authorities and the UK government to commission this landmark memorial.

Design and Symbolism of the Statue

The statue depicts Fawcett as a poised figure in her fifties, the age when she became President of the National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies (NUWSS). She holds a banner bearing the inscription “Courage calls to courage everywhere,” a quote from a speech she delivered after the death of fellow suffragette Emily Wilding Davison. This banner was carefully redesigned after feedback to avoid unintended interpretations, with Fawcett’s hands repositioned to the corners of the sign. The statue rests on a marble plinth etched with 59 images of men and women who actively supported the suffrage movement, emphasizing the collective nature of the campaign for women’s voting rights rather than focusing solely on one individual.

Millicent Fawcett’s Legacy and Impact

Millicent Fawcett was a key figure in the constitutional women’s suffrage movement. Born in 1847, she married Henry Fawcett, a blind professor and MP, and together they supported women's education and rights. After her husband’s death, she intensified her activism, leading the NUWSS and advocating for peaceful lobbying efforts. Her work contributed to the Representation of the People Act 1918, which granted voting rights to some women over 30, and later to the Equal Franchise Act 1928, which established equal voting rights for men and women. Fawcett’s legacy is one of perseverance, leadership, and inspiring future generations in the ongoing fight for equality.

The Statue’s Place Amongst London’s Monuments

Located at the west end of Parliament Square, the statue stands between those of Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston, and Mahatma Gandhi, symbolically placing Fawcett among other historic leaders who fought for justice and reform. While Emmeline Pankhurst and other suffragette leaders are memorialized elsewhere in London, Fawcett’s statue uniquely represents the constitutional suffrage movement and the broader struggle for women’s rights. The planting around the statue features flowers in the suffragist colors of red, white, and green, further reinforcing its symbolic significance.

Creation and Community Involvement

The statue’s commission was supported by the UK government’s Centenary Fund, commemorating 100 years since some women first gained the vote. Turner Prize-winning artist Gillian Wearing collaborated closely with historians and suffrage activists to ensure historical accuracy and meaningful representation. The unveiling ceremony was a multigenerational event reflecting the ongoing relevance of Fawcett’s work, attended by government officials, activists, and schoolchildren. The statue not only celebrates a pivotal figure but also serves as a memorial to the many individuals who contributed to the suffrage movement.

Continuing Inspiration and Educational Value

The Millicent Garrett Fawcett Statue stands as a powerful reminder of the struggle for women’s rights and the importance of civic engagement. It encourages reflection on the progress made and the challenges that remain in achieving equality. The statue’s presence in the heart of London’s political district underscores the significance of representation and the impact of determined activism. Visitors can appreciate both the artistic merit of the sculpture and the rich history it embodies, making it a meaningful destination for those interested in social justice and British history.