Captured: Portraits of Crime 1870-1930, Sarah Clifford

Sarah Clifford, born in Jamaica c.1833, was a former convict and known pickpocket in both Tasmania and NSW. She was photographed numerous times at Darlinghurst and Biloela gaols between 1872 and 1910

Sarah Clifford, born in Jamaica c.1833, was a former convict and known pickpocket in both Tasmania and NSW. She was photographed numerous times at Darlinghurst and Biloela gaols between 1872 and 1910. Clifford was convicted and gaoled for scores of stealing and petty offences over a four decade period.

Clifford was convicted and gaoled for scores of stealing and petty offences over a four decade period... She frequented Sydney’s ‘large business places’ wearing an apron and shawl over her arm while striking her unwitting victims as they window shopped. Clifford developed a reputation as ‘a nice-looking old part … yet a wicked old woman’.

Archives behind the scenes - gaol photos

In this episode we show you the very popular Gaol Photo Description Books. The photos (or mugshots) of prisoners are from gaols right across NSW and date from 1870-1930

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