Crime
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
Underworld
Behind the scenes: How to read a ‘special’
Around the world, police forces followed established conventions when taking mugshots. But Sydney police in the 1920s did things differently.
Underworld
Bosses
Sydney’s underworld bosses were tough, resolute and violent – mess with one and you would know you had been in a fight
Captured: Portraits of Crime 1870-1930, Jim Skidmore
Jim Skidmore, a 34 year old station hand from Sydney, was photographed at Broken Hill Gaol on 31 May 1927 while serving a sentence of six months hard labour for the illegal use of a motor car
Captured: Portraits of Crime 1870-1930, Margaret Higgins
Margaret Higgins, a 45 year old servant from Maitland, was photographed at Dubbo Gaol on 17 October 1905 while serving a life sentence for murder
Captured: Portraits of Crime 1870-1930, Pier McDhoon
Pier McDhoon, born in New Caledonia or India c. 1872, was convicted of multiple horse stealing offences between 1887 and 1913, and was photographed on at least six occasions at Darlinghurst and Parramatta gaols
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
Captured: Portraits of Crime 1870-1930, William Plummer
William Plummer, a 66 year old whitesmith (metal worker) originally from England, was photographed at Parramatta Gaol on 26 March 1884 while serving a sentence of four years hard labour for burglary
Captured: Portraits of Crime 1870-1930, Willie and Jacky
Willie Kenambury, a 24 year old tracker, was photographed at Albury Gaol on 10 January 1894 while on remand for murder. His co-accused, Jacky Bullyell, 25 years old, was also a tracker