Sydney Australia Criminals, 1920

[J. M. Stovall]

It's great to see how everyday people put their outfits together. A great bunch of characters that's for sure.

http://www.laboiteverte.fr/portraits-de-criminels-australiens-dans-les-annees-1920/

 

[Talbot]

Some interesting facial expressions there.

 

[BinkieBaumont]

Dalton had a an interesting scar

 

[Benny Holiday]

I reckon the women were more vicious and ruthless than the men! There was an exhibition like this about a year ago I think at either the Museum of Sydney or the Police and Justice Museum in Sydney. There's also an upcoming Underbelly mini-series called Razor about the 1920s razor gangs that should depict some of the criminals of the era like Tilly Devine.

 

[ScionPI2005]

Dalton had a an interesting scar

...and Gracy's eyes look a little eerie...

 

[Shangas]

Either the weather was cooler back then, or people had no thought for comfort when they went out in those days. I was noting the dates written on the photographs, along with the clothing that the men were wearing. For example, this chap...

A three piece suit in the middle of November?

I don't know of any part of Australia where it would be cool enough to wear attire like that in the midst of summer. For the internationals here, Australian seasons are reversed on account of us being upside down. Summer opens and closes each year with winter in the middle. I never wear a waistcoat and jacket unless it's below 20 degrees here. It's just not comfortable and practical. And especially in Sydney, which can have pretty humid weather when Mother Nature wishes it.

This fellow looks more appropriately dressed for the season...

 

[Marla]

1920: When even criminals looked like gentlemen. Especially this man, he looks so...distinguished.

If it weren't for the dates written directly on the photographs, you'd think these were casual portraits. Some of them are even smiling and hamming it up for the camera.

 

[shazzabanazza]

...and Gracy's eyes look a little eerie...

Very errie indeed. His eyes look transparent :eeek:

 

[Philip Adams]

I saw that exhibition. It was at the Police and Justice Museum. It was one of the best photographic exhibitions I've seen.

The quality of the pictures was brilliant, even if there were tragic and/or sinister elements to them.

I wonder if a book was ever produced?