The Somewhat Ambitious

Did you know that crime used to be the reserve of the chic and fashion conscious? That criminals used to hang around in whiskey bars, lounging on crisp leather settees while discussing the hip new trends in cat burglary? Did you? Me neither!… Or at least such is what I have been able to deduce from this collection of early 20th century mugshots from Sydney. Looking at them, one gets the feeling that the term “polite society” may have held a little more content back then than it does now. For example, look at this fellow:

If he held me up, I’d probably give him my money wilfully. With an outfit like that he almost certainly deserves to eat more than I do. And then, on the other hand, we have this:

For whom the word “funky” was beginning to seem all too appropriate. Ah, James, it didn’t have to be like that you know. A bit of dramatic lighting, some sepia tones, a variety of poses – you could have made the mugshot work for you! I certainly know what I’ll be insisting on when I get arrested.

At least I think that’s how it works.

/Luke

[via A Time To Get]