Batman Centenary Project
It seems to have been initiated by members of St. John’s Church – a proposal to have a pageant in the church grounds to mark the centenary of the foundation of Melbourne by John Batman, colonial grazier, entrepreneur and explorer, at a time when centenary celebrations were being planned in Melbourne. Sensitivities and understandings of history in the 1930s were obviously somewhat different than they are today, and it might be less likely these days that a church would celebrate the doings of a man described by colonial artist John Glover, Batman's neighbour in Van Diemen's Land, as "a rogue, thief, cheat and liar, a murderer of blacks and the vilest man I have ever known". The connection with St. John’s Church was that Batman was married there on 29th March, 1828.
Articles in The Examiner (11th July 1934, 29th November 1934 and 3rd October 1934, with other articles covering a reception at the Cornwall Hotel) outline proposals for a civic service and setting up of a colonial scene in the church ground, including a replica of the old government cottage (which had been located in what is now City Park), a military and naval guard, and a re-enactment of the arrival of Governor Arthur, along with period shops selling special goods from old recipes, the schooner Rebecca and the Tam-O-Shanter Inn.
A detailed account of the actual festivities at St. John’s has not yet been located, but it was reported in the November article that the pageant finished up with a social at St. John’s which combined with a farewell for Revd. C.J. Nash, and that a very satisfactory £282 profit was achieved from the pageant.
The Batman connection with St. John's was still being lauded as recently as the 1980s, but in the 21st century, there is a much greater awareness of the flaws of Batman, and particularly his role in the death of many aboriginal people.
Footnote: During 2020, St. John's archive of "Parish Messenger" newsletters was digitised, and although not a complete collection for the 1930s, the December 1934 edition gives some account of the memorial service and the pageant, which was counted a great success, even though marred by rain.
McHugh Pottery
Batman centenary bowl
Identifer
ASJ2023.23bPhysical Description
Glazed ceramic earthenware bowl with mostly intact transfer image of St. John's Church with caption, "Launceston Batman Centenary 1934". Text above image of church is "St. John's Church"Historical Details
This item was created for the 1934 Batman Centenary Pageant at St. John's Church, and has a series number 50 on base which suggests a limited edition collector's item, for sale on the occasion. Three other similar ceramic items were created, also with McHugh manufacture and numbering on the base.Batman Centenary Project
It seems to have been initiated by members of St. John’s Church – a proposal to have a pageant in the church grounds to mark the centenary of the foundation of Melbourne by John Batman, colonial grazier, entrepreneur and explorer, at a time when centenary celebrations were being planned in Melbourne. Sensitivities and understandings of history in the 1930s were obviously somewhat different than they are today, and it might be less likely these days that a church would celebrate the doings of a man described by colonial artist John Glover, Batman's neighbour in Van Diemen's Land, as "a rogue, thief, cheat and liar, a murderer of blacks and the vilest man I have ever known". The connection with St. John’s Church was that Batman was married there on 29th March, 1828.
Articles in The Examiner (11th July 1934, 29th November 1934 and 3rd October 1934, with other articles covering a reception at the Cornwall Hotel) outline proposals for a civic service and setting up of a colonial scene in the church ground, including a replica of the old government cottage (which had been located in what is now City Park), a military and naval guard, and a re-enactment of the arrival of Governor Arthur, along with period shops selling special goods from old recipes, the schooner Rebecca and the Tam-O-Shanter Inn.
A detailed account of the actual festivities at St. John’s has not yet been located, but it was reported in the November article that the pageant finished up with a social at St. John’s which combined with a farewell for Revd. C.J. Nash, and that a very satisfactory £282 profit was achieved from the pageant.
The Batman connection with St. John's was still being lauded as recently as the 1980s, but in the 21st century, there is a much greater awareness of the flaws of Batman, and particularly his role in the death of many aboriginal people.
Footnote: During 2020, St. John's archive of "Parish Messenger" newsletters was digitised, and although not a complete collection for the 1930s, the December 1934 edition gives some account of the memorial service and the pageant, which was counted a great success, even though marred by rain.
Materials
Glazed earthenware pottery - made by Launceston's McHugh pottery.Dating of Item
1934Database Date: Faculty Date:
1934;;July 4 2023;Online Sources
Related Collection
St. John's Church Historical ItemsRelated People or Organisations
John BatmanMcHugh Pottery