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Archives / Collection & Research / Research A-Z / Online Indexes / Gaol Inmates / Prisoners Photos Index

Gaol Inmates / Prisoners Photos Index

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Criminal Court Records Index
Criminal Depositions (Deposition Books) Index

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The Gaol Photographs are an extraordinary collection of images and information of men women and children who were incarcerated in the NSW prison system. We have indexed and digitised our c.1870-c.1930 photographs. This webinar takes a look at the photographs and how to find them. 

Mini webinar: Gaol photographs

Behind the Scenes

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.

Archives Behind the Scenes - Gaol photos

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The Gaol Photographic Description Books contain a photograph of each prisoner and the following information: number, prisoners' name, aliases, date when portrait was taken, native place, year of birth, details of arrival in the colony - ship and year of arrival, trade or occupation, religion, standard of education, height, weight (on committal, on discharge), colour of hair, colour of eyes, marks or special features, number of previous portrait, where and when tried, offence, sentence, remarks, and details of previous convictions (where and when, offence and sentence). 

Broken Hill Gaol, 1927 Jim Skidmore, 2057_a006_a00603_6018000139r   Dubbo Gaol - gaol photograph of Arthur Astill, 1893. Digital ID 2202_a006_a00603_6001000085r  Long Bay Gaol, 1919, Ellen Hogan, 2496_a006_a00603_6006000117r

About the records

The series were created in accordance with the 'Gaol Regulation' proclaimed in the NSW Government Gazette of 19 February, 1867. For more information on the background of this practice, see the introduction to our Captured: Portraits of Crime 1870-1930 exhibition e-catalogue.

While the series roughly cover the period 1870-1930, the dates of the books for each gaol and function varies. Please note that photographs were not taken of every prisoner admitted to gaol in New South Wales within the period.

Gaols and functions currently listed in the index

About the copy service

Hardcopy print: Colour A4 print from the digital copy of the record, on photographic paper.

OR

Digital (hi-res JPEG): High-resolution digital copy of the record in JPEG file format.

A note regarding the digital images in the Gaol Photographic Description Book index

The original gaol books are very fragile bound volumes and unbound pages. To ensure the long term preservation of the gaol books, handling of the pages during the digitisation process had to be kept to a minimum and aids to assist in flattening the pages (such as placing glass over the page) could not be used. The subsequent digital images therefore include any stains or damage which may have occurred during their active life within a NSW gaol.

In particular, we are aware of some images that have a shine or gloss on the photo as a result of the ‘cockling’ of some pages. If the shine obstructs the face of the gaol inmate or significantly impacts the quality of the photo, we may consider re-photographing the page. Please note that the decision to re-photograph rests with State Archives and Records NSW as the custodian of the State Archives Collection and that the condition of the original page will be the primary consideration in our decision-making.

If you have concerns about a particular image, please contact us at reprographics@records.nsw.gov.au

Copy Service: 
Available
Cost per entry: 
$5.50

Margaret Greenwood: A Life of Crime

The photographing of prisoners was introduced into New South Wales gaols in 1871. This 1875 record contains a rare and revealing photograph of a former Imperial convict, a prisoner again in her old age.

Darlinghurst Gaol, 1875 Photo of Margaret Greenwood (formerly an imperial convict) 1 of 2. Digital ID 2138_a006_a00603_604000061ar

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Trial Bay Gaol (Photos)

These photos of prisoners were accompanied by the following details: name, aliases, date when portrait was taken, native place, year of birth, arrived in colony - ship and year, trade or occupation, religion, degree of education, height, weight (on committal, on discharge), colour of hair, colour of eyes, marks or special features, where and when tried, offence, sentence, remarks, previous convictions - where and when, offence, sentence.

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