Inmate Artwork, Clown
Artist/Maker and role
Gregory McLaughlin: Artist
Production date
1985
About this object
The description here and below relates generically to the Maitland Gaol (movable) artwork collection. It may be possible in the future to undertake further research relating to the artwork and its creator.
Prisons have provided the opportunity for inmates to undertake recreational pursuits which can often result in the production of various forms of art and craft. The results may vary from the naïve and simple to the skilled and expert; indeed many prisoners have found an artistic ability while in gaol which the period of incarceration and the opportunities afforded from prison life have allowed to flourish.
The collection of moveable art at Maitland Gaol has generally been acquired from donation and is relatively modest in number and diversity. It does however include several well-known prisoners including Darcy Dugan and Ray Denning, and some accomplished unknown artists. Much of the collection has come from the results of commercial activities undertaken by the Gaol. The items were offered for public sale through various channels, purchased by local residents and others, and have subsequently been returned to Maitland Gaol since its closure, for inclusion in this collection.
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Object detail
It is a significant collection of material which is historically linked to Maitland Gaol, some of the prisoners having obtained notoriety for their criminal activities and as such provide a focus for public interest. Examples of this can be found in works by Darcy Dugan and Ray Denning which may be more of interest because of who the artist was, than the artistic quality of the artwork. However there are also examples of pieces with considerable artistic merit such as those by prolific artist, John Stephen Robinson, a.k.a. ‘Robin’ some of whose paintings being known to grace the walls of the Governor’s Office in the 1970s. The significance of the collection is enhanced by the known use of the works throughout the Gaol as decoration. Also adding to the significance is the way in which they were acquired by the general public. The ‘Activities Program’ encouraged the involvement of prisoners in hobbies and other pursuits where their creations were offered for sale at special exhibitions, art auctions and through the Gaol Museum and Gift Shop (located in the Mounted Police Barracks building). The majority of the funds earned from sales would be deposited into the prisoners’ commissary accounts where it could be used for ‘buy-ups’; the process in which prisoners could purchase items they would not normally have access to.
Along with the similar collections of immoveable artwork items and craftwork, the moveable Artwork Collection provides a fascinating insight into the mind of the prisoner. It is known that there are a number of common themes associated with prisoner arts and crafts such as connection to the outside world, identity, escapism/engagement with imagination, freedom, family, country, and reflection of life; past, present, future. The subject matter of the moveable Artwork Collection displays many of these characteristics and themes.
An analysis of the production of the works shows the variety of materials and often the ingenuity of the prisoners to obtain the required materials to participate in the production of the works. An example of this is the use of the fabric from a discarded Holland roller blind as the canvas for execution of the artwork and it was known that remnants of timber from the carpentry shop were also used to create the artworks on.
The collection demonstrates the creativity of the Maitland Gaol prisoners, especially in the latter half of the 20th century, when programs were offered to prisoners in numerous vocational and trade courses and to engage themselves in the pursuit of hobbies such as painting, wood carving, model construction and other hand crafts.
Statement of Significance completed by Gordon Sauber, 2022
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The development of the Maitland City Council online collection is an ongoing process. Despite our best efforts, there may be errors or omissions in the information provided and we welcome input from the public. In some cases, items may not be attributed to their author due to a lack of documented provenance at this time. Maitland City Council acknowledges the intellectual property and moral rights of the makers and authors who remain anonymous. If you have concerns about the material made available on this website, including any unintentional infringement of copyright, you are highly encouraged to contact us at opened.minds@maitland.nsw.gov.au.