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Roaring 20s

Stanley James Hay, Special Photograph number 167, c 1920, Central Police Station, Sydney
Underworld

Fallen soldiers

After the universal upheaval of World War I, many soldiers found it difficult to take up their former occupations and adjust to civilian life

Black and white image of a woman looking pensive to the side of the viewer. The words
Underworld

Flappers

The flapper was an alluring vision of sophistication and freedom for young women globally

Black and white image of a man in a suit. The words
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Gangs

The lure of easy money from the illicit alcohol, drug and gambling trades encouraged the formation of new crime gangs

Black and white image of man with thick curly hair. The words
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Joy-riders

From the beginning, young men and fast cars were a volatile mix

Howard Family photographs

Police photographer George Howard

George B Howard was a prominent police photographer in Sydney during the 1920s

Dual mugshot in black and white; man seated and then man standing, with hat on.
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The Black Hand in Sydney

Restrictions on the sale of alcohol offered tantalising opportunities for organised crime groups around the world

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The Roaring Twenties

The 1920s heralded the brave new world that emerged from the devastation of World War I

Composite image showing black and white mughsots of Kate Leigh and Tilly Devine

Tilly Devine & the Razor Gang Wars, 1927–1931

Learn about the Razor gangs and their leaders Tilly Devine and Kate Leigh