Perhaps it’s merely that everyone looks better in black and white and in a suit, but these 50 shots taken by New South Wales Police Department during the 1920s and 30s read more like artistic portraits than mug shots. The LA Times Magazine has taken note of the fashion and narrative the photography conveys by publishing them this month along with the criminals’ backstories.
The images were shot at a time in Australia when the Razor Gang phenomenon was on the rise, due to the increased regulation on concealed fire arms and hand guns. This can also be traced to the prohibition of cocaine, street prostitution, off-course racetrack betting, and the introduction of six o'clock closing for public bars.
Excerpts from wrap sheets include tales like Herbert Ellis' (a.k.a. Curley for his thinning hair and Deafy for his poor hearing)
An entry reported he "seldom engages in crime in company, but possessing a most villainous character, he influences associates to commit robberies, and he arranges for the disposal of the proceeds."
Implications - The publishing of these images now demonstrates our perpetual fascination with and romanticizing of criminal behavior. The fashion also taps into the trend that men are dressing cleaner, closer to the body, and more "dapper" thanks to the celebration of Mad Men. It’s an easy inspiration for a Fashion Editorial or marketing campaign.
Not on front page