The University of Newcastle has opened a new exhibition today which highlights the intriguing pasts of NSW criminals between 1870 and 1930.
Featuring a range of images and records sourced from 46,000 inmate records in close to 200 gaol photographic profiles, the exhibition has been composed in collaboration with the NSW State Archives.
Dr Penny Stannard, the exhibition curator, says the having team from various backgrounds has helped to uncover the most engaging stories.
"Our expert staff have peeled back the layers of these historical records and illuminated the events that led these people to commit a crime," Dr Stannard said.
Dr Stannard claims the team looked at the genders, ages, locations and the different types of offences committed by those criminals to compile the best stories.
University Library Technician Paige Wright says the material shown in the exhibition is interesting and provides a clear disparity to the modern Australian justice system.
"It's very interesting what people were written up for doing."
"Everyone who comes through the library has been very interested in these peoples stories."
The exhibition will be held in the University's Auchmuty library.
University of Newcastle's Auchmuty Library. Image: Waide Maguire
