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A Deep One [portrait of George Barrington], c. 1800 (engraving)
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A Deep One [portrait of George Barrington], c. 1800 (engraving)
5914655 A Deep One [portrait of George Barrington], c.1800 (engraving) by Irish School, (19th century); 20.1x14.4 cm; Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales; (add.info.: George Barrington, an Irish pickpocket, was born near Dublin around 1755. At 16 he joined a company of strolling players led by John Price who taught him how to pick pockets. Barrington and Price became partners in crime in Dublin and London until in around 1773 Price was transported to the American colonies. Barrington soon became a legendary figure. He was arrested many times including in 1776 when he was sent to the hulks for three years, regaining his freedom within twelve months. In 1790 he was tried at the Old Bailey for stealing a gold watch and chain and sentenced to 7 years transportation.
In 1791 Barrington arrived in Sydney on the " Active" and was sent to work at Toongabbie. In 1792 he received a conditional pardon, and in 1796 he was granted an absolute pardon by John Hunter who also appointed him chief constable at Parramatta. In 1800 " infirmity" led to his resignation as chief constable. Barrington died in December 1804.
Printed underneath portrait Dublin Publish d by Walker 79 Dame Street
Inscribed in pencil underneath portrait at right Barrington the pickpocket in disguise ); Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales; Irish, out of copyright
Media ID 23564150
© Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales / Bridgeman Images
Burglar Convict Convicts Criminal Criminals Deported Disguise Disguised Ex Con Ex Cons Ex Convict Ex Convicts Notorious Pardoned Pickpocket Regency Rogue Transported Social History Theif
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EDITORS COMMENTS
The print captures a fascinating portrait of George Barrington, an infamous Irish pickpocket from the 18th century. Engraved by the Irish School in the early 1800s, this image measures 20.1x14.4 cm and is housed at the Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales. George Barrington's life was filled with intrigue and crime. Born near Dublin around 1755, he joined a group of strolling players led by John Price at the age of 16, where he learned the art of pickpocketing. Together, they embarked on a criminal partnership in Dublin and London until Price was transported to America in approximately 1773. Barrington soon became a legendary figure known for his thieving skills. Despite multiple arrests throughout his life, including a three-year stint in prison starting in 1776, he always managed to regain his freedom swiftly. In 1790, Barrington arrived in Sydney on board the ship "Active" as part of his seven-year transportation sentence for stealing a gold watch and chain. Over time, he received conditional pardons and eventually an absolute pardon from Governor John Hunter himself. Remarkably, Barrington's transformation continued when Hunter appointed him chief constable at Parramatta. However, due to declining health or what is referred to as "infirmity" he resigned from this position in 1800. Sadly, George Barrington passed away just four years later in December 1804. This engraving serves as both documentation and testament to one man's extraordinary journey through crime and redemption during an era long gone by.
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