Dr. Craig Thorley

Big Things: Overview

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​Big Things are oversized roadside sculptures of real objects that are scattered across Australia. The earliest examples include The Big Scotsman (Adelaide, 1963) and Big Banana (Coffs Harbour, 1964).
 

To be classed as a Big Thing, an object must be:

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• Three-dimensional (e.g., not a mural or flat sign)

• Largely fixed in place (i.e., not routinely moved)

• A bespoke, one-off build (e.g., not a mass-produced statue)

 

Big Things have been celebrated in books, songs, Australia Post stamps and Royal Mint coins (both twice), and even Havianas!