Goanna/Perewtie artwork by Mid West/Northern Australian Aborigines. The cell was for European sailors who jumped ship. The etchings are on the cell wall.
Albany Convict Gaol Museum
A 30 room complex of men's cell blocks and some warder's quarters built in 1852 for imperial convicts shipped to WA as artisans and skilled labourers. Women's cells, the great hall and more warder's quarters were constructed of brick in 1872-75. At this time the complex was also used as a colonial prison. It was last used as a police lockup in the great depression of the 1930s. Extensive restoration from 1989 to 1996 returned its condition to as original as possible. Cells, warder's quarters, and the great hall contain appropriate displays.
Address:
Stirling Terrace, Albany, WA
Tel:
0898411401
Hours:
Monday - Sunday 10:00am - 4:15pm. Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday.
Website:
Email:
Admission:
Adults $4.00, Child $2.50, Concession $2.50, Family $12.00. Free admission to our second venue, Patrick Taylor Cottage Museum.
Facilities:
Booked guided tours, night tours and venue hire by arrangement, partial wheelchair access, postcards, historical books and souvenirs for sale.
Collection:
Accessioned photographs number 8,000. Accessioned artworks number 500. There are some 7,000 artifacts of all types.
Items
Cell carving
Aboriginal cell carvings
Creator:
Mid West Australian and Northern Aborigines
Description:
Cell of wood- walls, floor and ceiling. Ankle bar on back wall. Carvings cut into wall panels.
Date:
c1870
Death mask
Replica of Deeming's Death Mask
Creator:
Mrs Beth Martin
Description:
Replica of death mask of mass murderer Deeming by Mrs Alice Wimbush
Date:
1892
The publication of "Albany's Brush With A Mass Murder" relates the complete story of crimes committed, the arrest, trial and execution.
Model
Model of Peter McDonald alias McKean, McQueen
Creator:
Mrs Alice Wimbush
Description:
Papier mache model of murderer Peter McDonald who was executed (hanged) 12 October 1872 in the Gaol courtyard on portable gallows.
Date:
c 1986
First and only legal execution in Albany.
Oil painting
Lady Ann Spencer
Creator:
Unknown
Description:
58x72 cm. Done in England.
Date:
c 1810
Item Id Number:
V1991-3
This Lady Anne Spencer is believed to be related to Diana Spencer. Wife of Sir Richard Spencer, Albany's first appointed magistrate.
Diarama
Creator:
Jeanette Rowe
Description:
View of First Settlement as it was in 1826/27. Painting of Major Edmund Lockyer who declared First Settlement.
Date:
1990
The buildings were built by convicts in 1826 upon arrival. Armery, Commandant's Cottage, Food Storage, Tool Storage.