Captured: Portraits of Crime 1870 to 1930

Captured: Portraits of Crime engages with photographic portraits and descriptions of prisoners sourced from the State Archives Collection of Gaol Photographic Description Books. These historic records have been digitised, and interpreted through research within and beyond the archives to illuminate events and contexts that led ordinary people to commit crimes. But as the ordinary unfolds, so, too, does the extraordinary. The exhibition’s set of compelling case studies of individuals captured in the criminal justice system as a result of choice or circumstance provides a unique perspective that makes a new contribution to the history of NSW.

NSW State Archives is the NSW Government's archives and records management authority. It manages the State Archives Collection of 13 million items valued at almost $1B, a unique and irreplaceable part of Australia's cultural heritage pre-dating 1788. NSW State Archives vision is to be an international leader in custodianship and accessibility of a cultural collection to maximise value for current and future generations.

NSW State Archives’ touring exhibitions are designed to be presented at a range of venues including but not limited to libraries, museums and galleries. Touring exhibitions are designed to be easy to install and to provide a basis for grafting local content onto broader state-significant stories. Support material accompanies touring exhibitions and staff are available to provide specialist advice.