In 2022, I started a project that was featured by The Chronicle newspaper, where I brought to life images of criminals from the Victorian era onwards, by colourising their original black-and-white mugshots. Alongside the images, I included brief write-ups about each case and the punishment the individual received.
The idea was sparked while watching a TV programme about The Real Peaky Blinders. As I looked at the old mugshots, I found myself wondering how these people might have looked in full colour. That curiosity led me to research further, and I came across striking images shared online by the Tyne & Wear Archives. I was particularly shocked by the destitute children under 16 years old, who had been sentenced to hard labour or imprisonment.
Original copyright images courtesy of Tyne & Wear Archives
Rosanna Watson aged 13 (on discharge) - 7 days hard labour for stealing iron along with her accomplices.
James Donnelly aged 16 - sentenced for 2 months for stealing some shirts.
Mary Catherine Docherty aged 14 - 7 days hard labour after stealing iron with her accomplices.
Mary Ellen Marr - arrest details not given for photo below, but other offences included stealing a sailor's bag of clothing (14 days in prison) and stealing a Indian rubber doormats (14 days in gaol).
Janet Sanderson - Stealing a pot of rum from a man after knocking him out and going through his pockets. One month hard labour.
James Regan - Drunk and disorderly. Assault. Imprisoned for a month.
