Prison Labour Collection

Perspective view of the convicts at work on the Thames (engraving)
614643 Perspective view of the convicts at work on the Thames (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Perspective view of the convicts at work on the Thames)

The Royal Visit to India, Prisoners preparing the Decorations, Bombay (engraving)
1049467 The Royal Visit to India, Prisoners preparing the Decorations, Bombay (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Royal Visit to India)

Gang of Convicts at Work at Dartmoor (engraving)
2773504 Gang of Convicts at Work at Dartmoor (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Gang of Convicts at Work at Dartmoor)

Hand Crank-Mill, for Prison Labour (engraving)
3629877 Hand Crank-Mill, for Prison Labour (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Hand Crank-Mill, for Prison Labour)

Prisoners on the treadwheel (engraving)
614672 Prisoners on the treadwheel (engraving) by Barnard, Frederick (1846-96); Private Collection; (add.info.: Prisoners on the treadwheel - then tread away, my gallant boys)

Sketches at Portland Convict Prison (engraving)
1622566 Sketches at Portland Convict Prison (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Sketches at Portland Convict Prison)

Prisoners working at the treadwheel (engraving)
614688 Prisoners working at the treadwheel (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Prisoners working at the treadwheel)

Female convicts at work (engraving)
614683 Female convicts at work (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Female convicts at work, during the silent hour, in Brixton Prison)

The chief warder counting the prisoners after a days work (engraving)
614678 The chief warder counting the prisoners after a days work (engraving) by Renouard, Charles Paul (1845-1924); Private Collection; (add.info)

Convicts forming the mortar battery (engraving)
614681 Convicts forming the mortar battery (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Convicts forming the mortar battery in the Woolwich Marshes, Woolwich)

View of the Justitia Hulk (engraving)
614641 View of the Justitia Hulk (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: View of the Justitia Hulk, with the convicts at work near Woolwich)

Convicts scraping shot (engraving)
614639 Convicts scraping shot (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Convicts scraping shot at the Woolwich Hulks, in Woolwich)

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"Unveiling the Hidden World: A Glimpse into Prison Labour" Step into history's engravings, where a perspective view of convicts toiling on the Thames reveals their unseen struggles. In "The Royal Visit to India, " witness prisoners preparing decorations in Bombay, showcasing their artistic talents amidst confinement. Dartmoor's haunting image captures a gang of convicts hard at work, reminding us of the laborious routines they endure. Behold the hand crank-mill designed for prison labour, symbolizing both innovation and captivity. The treadwheel engraving unveils an arduous task imposed upon inmates as they strive for redemption through sweat and perseverance. Sketches from Portland Convict Prison depict lives intertwined with monotony and solitude. Even female convicts are not exempt from this world; their presence captured in an engraving showcases resilience against societal norms. Witnessing the chief warder counting prisoners after a day's work reminds us that behind each number lies a story of hope or despair. Convicts forming a mortar battery demonstrate how even within walls, skills can be honed towards productive ends. Viewers gaze upon Justitia Hulk—a floating cell—where incarcerated souls yearn for freedom while scraping shot off its surface. These engravings offer more than mere illustrations—they invite contemplation about society's approach to rehabilitation and justice. They shed light on an often-overlooked aspect of human existence—prison labour—an intricate web woven by those who seek reformation amidst adversity. As we explore these glimpses into history's shadows, let us reflect on our own perspectives regarding incarceration and ponder ways to foster compassion and second chances within our criminal justice systems.