Mugshots

Dual mugshot in black and white; man seated and then man standing, with white naval cap on.
WW1

A dubious defence

On 19 October 1921 Herbert Burridge was listed in the New South Wales Police Gazette as a deserter from HMAS Cerberus

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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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

Black and white image from the 1920s of a man who looks to be in his 50s.
Underworld

Bosses

Sydney’s underworld bosses were tough, resolute and violent – mess with one and you would know you had been in a fight

Gaol photo of Jim Skidmore

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

Gaol photo of Margaret Higgins

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

Gaol photo of Pier McDhoon

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

Gaol photo of Sarah Clifford

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

Gaol photo of William Plummer

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