VELS 5
VCEBatman meets Buckley
Batman meets Buckley
Use these materials with the worksheets on the right, to help students evaluate sources, compare images and study a single image in detail. Below the worksheets are printable versions of all materials, which you can use in the classroom.
For more information on evaluating sources see:
See curriculum links
Relevant VCE areas of study include:
VCE Australian History
– Unit 3 Imagining Australia
Area of study 1 – A new land: Port Phillip District 1830-1860 – Outcome 1
– Key knowledge
- ideas underpinning the settlement and migration to the Port Phillip District, including ideas about European expansion in the new world and land ownership, and the motivations of some individuals and groups.
For more information see Curriculum Links VCE [pdf 27KB]
See background information
These images relate to a meeting between William Buckley and John Batman, which reportedly took place at
Indented Head on 6 July 1835. Although this event has been perpetuated in popular history and art, we
know from primary source material that Batman had already left for Tasmania by this time. Buckley was in fact met by other
members of Batman's party, including William Todd, whose journal is one of the
sources that describe what ‘really happened'.
For
additional information, see:
John Batman's early days
Batman's treaty
Buckley's return to European life
The first settlers discover Buckley
Creator
Frederick
William Woodhouse
Date created
1861
Important to note
The
title indicates that Batman and his party found Buckley. However, there is evidence
to suggest that Buckley knew about Batman's camp for some time before Batman
‘discovered' him, and simply chose not to make his presence known.
Illustration of Buckley as 'John the Baptist figure'
Creator
Samuel
Calvert
Date created
1863
Important to note
Here,
Buckley is almost Jesus-like in appearance. This image was featured in James Bonwick's version of Buckley's
life, The Wild White Man, and closely
resembles the message of the text. As an educator and a pious man, Bonwick
judged Buckley for not attempting to ‘civilise the natives'.
Meeting with William Buckley, the 'Wild White Man'
Creator
Raymond
Lindsay
Date created
1930s
Important to note
In
contrast to the works of Woodhouse and Calvert, Lindsay's piece focuses on
Buckley, not Batman, who isn't even depicted. In addition, Lindsay's portrayal
of Buckley as imposingly tall is quite accurate - Buckley was close to two metres
in height.
Action for 2pm Sunday 6 July 1835
Creator
Tom
Nicholson
Date create
2005
Important to note
This
contemporary piece alludes to dates from Todd's journal, and includes both the Indigenous and European names for Indented Head. At the bottom of the page is a
list of people who attended the meeting - John Batman's name is absent.
