Name/TitleJohn Batman: Fawkner Cemetery, c. 1923
About this objectColourised photograph of the new memorial erected at Fawkner cemetery over the remains of John Batman, one of the first white settlers of Melbourne.
The monument is a white granite obelisk on a stepped rough-hewn base. Details of Batman's life and achievements are inscribed on black panels on the bottom section of the obelisk. It has been built on a slight mound of reddish earth. The photograph must have been taken soon after the monument's construction as there are no marks on the white granite, or weeds growing on the mound.
Batman had been originally interred in 1839 in Old Melbourne Cemetery, in an unmarked grave. In 1881 a dressed bluestone monument, funded by the city, was placed over his remains. In 1922, when the nearby market was extended over the cemetery land, many of the old pioneers' remains, Batman included, were removed and re-interred in a section of the new Fawkner Cemetery. Melbourne Council erected the monument, seen in the image, in 1923.
The graves and monuments surrounding Batman's are of those pioneers removed from Old Melbourne cemetery.
The monument that had stood on the original grave was re-erected on the corner of Batman Avenue and Swan Street at the end of 1922. It was later moved back near its original position, now Queen Street.
Selby was instrumental in trying to save Old Melbourne Cemetery and its pioneer residents. He also resurrected Batman's memory and organised annual pilgrimages to his graveside for 35 years.
One of the many glass slides purchased from retailers or specifically made for illustrated lectures given by Isaac Selby between c. 1930 and c. 1955 to raise money for the Old Pioneers Memorial Fund. Selby numbered this slide #55.
For more information about this image contact Royal Historical Society of Victoria.
Measurements8.2 x 8.2 cm
Period1920-1930
Object TypePhotograph
Subject and Association KeywordsSelby, Isaac, 1859-1956
Subject and Association KeywordsMonuments and memorials
Subject and Association KeywordsBatman, John, 1801-1839.
Subject and Association KeywordsFawkner Crematorium and Memorial Park
Subject and Association KeywordsPioneers
Named CollectionImages collection
Object numberGS-TM-07
Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved