These vintage mugshots provide a window into the past, offering a fascinating glimpse into both the terror and humanity etched into the faces of individuals who lived lives on the wrong side of the law during the 19th and early 20th centuries. These photos not only capture criminals but also preserve a moment in time, reflecting the broader social and historical context in which these individuals lived.
One such example is James Dawson, who was arrested for indecent exposure in North Shields, UK, on June 9, 1902. Captured by Tyne & Wear Archives, his mugshot reveals a man whose life took a path that landed him in trouble. Similarly, Lawrence Armstrong, apprehended for theft on September 30, 1915, in the same region, leaves behind an image that speaks to the struggles and choices of his era. These records, kept by North Shields Police Station, are more than mere photos—they are stories frozen in time.
Another compelling example is Mustapha Irola, who was charged with false pretenses on August 19, 1904. His mugshot, preserved by Tyne & Wear Archives, shows a man whose actions were deemed criminal, providing us with a lens into the complexities of human behavior and societal judgment during that period. Similarly, in Sydney, Australia, Stanley William Moore was arrested on May 1, 1925, for dealing opium. His image, part of the Sydney Living Museums collection, captures the international reach of law enforcement and crime during this time.
Isabella Hindmarch, arrested for theft in Newcastle, UK, sometime between 1871 and 1873, represents another face among countless others whose lives were marked by crime and punishment. Her mugshot, like many others from Tyne & Wear Archives, gives us an opportunity to consider the circumstances that might have led her to such an end. Moving forward in time, Charles Ormston’s mugshot from the 1930s in Newcastle upon Tyne similarly invites reflection on the stories behind these stark images.
Herbert Ellis’s mugshot from the 1920s, captured at Central Police Station in Sydney, tells yet another tale of a life intertwined with the justice system. Andrea Laudano, who faced charges of larceny on July 21, 1904, at North Shields Police Station, adds to this narrative with his preserved photo showing the humanity behind the alleged crime. Meanwhile, Ellen Kreigher, also known as “Nellie,” was arrested for murder on July 13, 1923, in Sydney, Australia. Her image is haunting, a reminder of the gravity of her alleged actions and the justice system’s response.
The story of James Chase, charged with obtaining money by false pretenses in January 1916, offers another dimension to these historical snapshots. Arrested at North Shields Police Station, his mugshot is a testament to the ingenuity and desperation that often underpinned such crimes. William Morrissey’s arrest for sleeping outdoors on July 11, 1904, reminds us of the criminalization of poverty in certain historical contexts, as does the image captured by Tyne & Wear Archives.
A particularly fascinating mugshot is that of Digambar Badge, one of the individuals involved in an attempt on Mahatma Gandhi’s life. Taken on May 12, 1948, in India, the photo symbolizes not just crime but also the complex political and social struggles of the time. Similarly, Catherine O’Neill’s mugshot from 1906 in New York for theft adds a transatlantic perspective to these historical records, showing how crime and punishment unfolded in different cultural and geographical contexts.
The mugshot of an unnamed Kuki robber from around 1870 in Assam, India, reveals the intersection of colonialism and justice. Under British rule, certain tribes and ethnic groups were labeled as “criminal” and subjected to routine check-ins with local police. This photo from the Hulton Archive is a stark reminder of how the concept of criminality was often influenced by systemic biases and colonial authority.
James Davit’s arrest for obtaining money by false pretenses in Newcastle between 1871 and 1873 is another example of how these images preserve moments of societal friction. Meanwhile, Tom O’Day, alias Joe Chancellor, a member of the infamous Hole in the Wall gang, has a mugshot dating back to around 1900. His photo from the Library of Congress captures the wild, lawless spirit of the Old West.
Lewis Powell, also known as Payne, was a conspirator in the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. His mugshot, taken aboard the U.S.S. Saugus on April 27, 1865, is one of the most historically significant images in this collection, representing a pivotal moment in American history. Lizzie Cardish’s 1906 mugshot for arson at Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary offers a different perspective, highlighting the varied nature of crimes documented through these photos.
Nathan Leopold’s mugshot from Joliet Prison in Illinois in 1924 is another haunting image. Convicted of murder, his case became infamous as part of the “Leopold and Loeb” trial. This photo, preserved in the Hulton Archive, serves as a chilling reminder of how sensational crimes captivate public attention.
Other examples include Francis Flood, arrested for theft in Sydney on May 5, 1920, and Charles S. Jones, who faced charges of larceny on September 15, 1914, in North Shields, UK. These mugshots continue to humanize individuals whose lives intersected with crime, offering us an unvarnished look into the past. Alice Cooke’s 1922 mugshot from New South Wales, where she was charged with bigamy and theft, tells a story of societal expectations and the repercussions of defying them.
John Gumis’ mugshot from October 5, 1903, taken at North Shields Police Station for larceny, and Valerie Lowe’s 1922 arrest for breaking and entering in Sydney, provide further examples of the diverse crimes and circumstances captured by early police photography. Dutch Schultz, a notorious gangster, has a 1931 mugshot that epitomizes the Prohibition era and its associated criminal underworld.
Jean Baptiste Troppmann’s 1869 mugshot from Paris, taken after his arrest for murder, is one of the earliest examples of this photographic practice. Similarly, the 1930s image of three unnamed bank robbers and murderers in Marseilles, France, showcases the international use of mugshots to document criminal activities. Italian mafia suspects captured during a shootout in Regio Calabria add another layer to this global history of crime documentation.
James E. Howe’s 1906 mugshot from North Shields Police Station for theft, Jane Forbes’ January 26, 1905, photo for larceny, and Walter Smith’s December 24, 1924, image for breaking and entering are all part of this broader narrative. Each photo carries with it an individual story, one that is often untold but deeply human.
The practice of using photography for law enforcement purposes began shortly after the invention of the camera in the 1840s. By 1888, French police officer Alphonse Bertillon developed the mugshot template we still recognize today: a straight-on photo paired with a profile shot. This innovation revolutionized criminal record-keeping, creating a visual archive of individuals who came into contact with the justice system.
These mugshots, taken across decades and continents, provide an unparalleled historical record. They document not only the faces of criminals but also the evolution of law enforcement and societal norms. While many historical photos depict royalty, nobility, and the wealthy, mugshots offer a rare glimpse into the lives of ordinary people and the marginalized—those whose stories often go untold.
The confrontational nature of these photos, with subjects staring directly at the camera, forces us to confront their humanity. Stripped of context, the individuals in these images are neither fully villains nor heroes. They are simply people—flawed, complex, and undeniably human. Through their faces, we can connect with a past that might otherwise seem distant and abstract.
The mugshots above represent some of the most striking examples from history, serving as both cautionary tales and poignant reminders of the diversity of human experience. They challenge us to reflect on justice, morality, and the circumstances that lead individuals down paths of crime. In doing so, they preserve a unique and invaluable record of history that continues to captivate and inform us today.
