Gritty 1930s mugshots of housebreakers, pickpockets and beggars have been brought to life in colour.
The series of images were taken from a police identification book in Newcastle.
Beneath each criminal’s picture, their basic appearance and character are described along with details of their associates or known aliases.
One image shows Thomas Giles wearing a flat cap whilst coldly staring directly at the camera, he is described as a ‘housebreaker’ with convictions for larceny of metal and from vehicles and putting counterfeit coins into circulation.
Another shows a smug and seemingly relaxed James Lowrie, also known as ‘Sunderland Kid’, who is described as an ‘expert pickpocket’.
The pictures have been colourised by Matt Loughrey, 39, of My Colorful Past from Westport, Ireland.
James Jones had a lonely life as a beggar and breaking into unoccupied houses. There was no mention of theft on his report, so it’s reasonable to assume he sought shelter and permanence
One image shows Thomas Giles wearing a flat cap whilst coldly staring directly at the camera, he is described as a ‘housebreaker’ with convictions for larceny of metal and from vehicles and putting counterfeit coins into circulation
‘A general thief and bad character’: John Dodgson, a miner born in 1902, was known for ‘larceny and false pretences’ – with his police identification record stating that he worked along and had ‘extensively tattooed forearms and hands’
‘People respond well to imagery that generates discussion, I think mugshots are deemed as controversial by some and as innocent by others. All of the while I think the people that feature warranted being seen in colour as a reminder that truth and justice were always sought,’ said Mr Loughrey.
‘These are the faces of petty thieves, delinquents and aggressors of yesteryear, their mugshots appeared in a very old police record book that found its way to the Tyne & Wear Museum Archives.
‘James Jones stood out to me, no doubt he had a lonely life as a beggar and breaking into unoccupied houses, there was no mention of theft on his report, so it was reasonable to assume he sought shelter and permanence. #
‘I imagine his scar made people rejectful of him too.’
It is thought that the identification book was compiled by a police force in the Newcastle upon Tyne area.
Mr Loughrey explained the process used to bring these images to life.
‘I use what is essentially a digital pen and paper as well as a dedicated algorithm written specifically in order to colourise textured materials. Everything you see is applied patiently by hand,’ he added.
The ‘Sunderland Kid’: James Lowrie, an 1892-born labourer, was said to have been an ‘expert pickpocket’ who associated with ‘all classes of pickpockets’ – and he was also known for robbery, along with having a scar on the back of his right hand
Quite a reputation: Albert Dick, a 5ft 6in labourer with dark brown hair and blue eyes who was born in 1911, was labelled in his police identification record as a ‘general all round thief and safebreaker’ who ‘associated with all classes of thieves’
Thomas Boyd was charged with housebreaking, larceny and receiving. He used various methods of entry into the homes
The series of images, taken from a police identification book which is believed to date back to the 1930s, show men who were arrested for crimes such as theft, pickpocketing, breaking into houses and begging. Pictured is Thomas Orange
Flat cap: James Boyd Potter, who had the unfortunate nickname of ‘Fatty Potter’, was a 5ft 1in labourer who had a long operation scar on the right hand side of his neck. He was known for pub, shop and warehouse breaking
Gritty 1930s mugshots of housebreakers, pickpockets and beggars have been brought to life in colour. Pictured is James Casey
‘I use a WACOM mobile studio pro and a process we call SMTM to understand and bring life to textured materials, as well as flesh and earth.
‘In these photographs, like so many other visual topics, exists a reflection of society, an opportunity to educate and a moment of thought for the subjects.
‘Long ago, the justice system addressed crime, in some areas, far differently. Decades later we seem to focus far more on prevention, education and opportunity for those traveling a dangerous road.’
Pictures like these form part of a new book on iconic colourised photographs called Retrographic by author Michael D. Carroll. The book is currently available to buy on Amazon for £16.85.