The National Archives of Australia opened an exhibition in June I had planned on getting to, but I didn’t get there before lockdown started, so I guess I missed my chance (scheduled to finish Oct 24th).
Underworld: Mugshots from the Roaring Twenties looks at the darker side of the 1920s through photos and stories.
What is fascinating is that in what apparently was an internationally unique move, the Sydney police photographers of the time took candid mugshot photos of suspects to try and help avoid prejudice when investigating the case further. So drug dealers, sly-grog purveyors and small-time criminals were photographed as if they were sitting for a portrait.
From: NSW Police Forensic Photography Archive
I think the stories behind them must be fascinating. My only hope is that the exhibition is extended once lockdown ends. Have you ever seen mugshots like this?
October 4, 2021 at 10:32 pm
Awwww I’m sorry you missed it!! Is there not a virtual option while you are in lockdown? How much longer are you in lockdown for? I know your favorite time of year is about to start so i how you get to be out and enjoy it soon!!
October 5, 2021 at 10:12 pm
No virtual option, but I am still holding out hope I might get to see it. Actually we’re over 1/3 of the way through spring already (it started on 1 Sept)!
October 5, 2021 at 10:29 pm
Ooooo haha we started fall on the 22nd! Haha enjoy your warmer weather and sunshine and flowers!!! *pulls on thick sweater and booties*
October 6, 2021 at 2:15 pm
So glad to be starting to shed layers!
October 5, 2021 at 1:29 am
Clever idea. I wonder if it worked.
October 5, 2021 at 10:13 pm
I’m not sure. I would imagine the stories attached to the photos in the exhibition would shed some light on that. If I do manage to get there I’ll report back 🙂
October 5, 2021 at 6:16 am
What an interesting idea. I don’t think they tried anything like this around my parts, so this is a new concept. Hopefully they’ll extend the exhibition considering everything.
October 5, 2021 at 10:13 pm
I hope so too, Liz. I should try and find out what is happening with it in terms of timing.
October 5, 2021 at 9:35 am
Look at those dapper mugshots! I’ve not seen anything like that before. I hope you get a chance to see the exhibit!
This post makes me think you may be interested in a book a friend of mine wrote about California’s Folsom State Prison
https://folsoms93.com/
October 5, 2021 at 10:16 pm
Wow, what a find in her Aunty’s cupboard. Although I am as curious as to how the photos and pages ended up there as I am about the history of the prisoners, lol.
October 6, 2021 at 9:07 am
I have to wonder if it has to do with some leftover angst from Botany Bay being in New South Wales. Those that moat want to adjust the social outlook generally are dealing with former inmates.
Oh well, I know I can dress up, put on a jaunty hat and be someone other than my normal weirdness.
October 6, 2021 at 2:16 pm
Lol, dunno. These days most Aussies want to find a convict in their genealogy (I don’t have any), back then, who knows?
October 8, 2021 at 1:54 pm
As I understand it, the great-uncle was a bookie and went to Folsom to collect on a debt. He was given the box of photos and pages as payment. Crazy story, right?
October 9, 2021 at 5:20 pm
Completely crazy (and I bet the box of papers and photos weren’t actually theirs to give!).
October 8, 2021 at 10:40 pm
Perhaps the exhibition will be extended or return, given that no one can go now? A pity there is no virtual version! I know the NGV is running some online events which I really must attend soon…
October 9, 2021 at 5:23 pm
There’s no information on their website about what is happening so can only hope!