Peter Corlett OAM

Sir John Monash (1865–1931) was a celebrated civil engineer, decorated Australian military commander and contributor to public life. Monash University is named in his honour.

The pre-eminent Australian figurative sculptor, Peter Corlett OAM, was commissioned by the University to create a sculpture of Sir John Monash to be located in the heart of the Clayton campus. Previous representations have depicted Monash as a military commander, whereas in Corlett’s bronze sculpture Sir John Monash is dressed in civilian attire and posed in deep thought. He gazes purposefully, emphasising his traits as a problem solver, leader and visionary. Located in the forecourt of the Menzies Building, the sculpture draws attention to Sir John Monash’s personal values and serves to remind us of the University’s motto and guiding principle, Ancora Imparo: ‘I am still learning’.

^{Photo: Andrew Curtis}