Kelly Gang Mugs

Cool and modern yet vintage and classic.

Ronald Loves His BBQ

One of the most iconic images in Australian culture is the climactic moment from The Story of the Kelly Gang (1906) when Ned Kelly finally collapses against a fallen tree and is captured. Here, that incredible visual is presented in colour to add a bit of drama to proceedings.

An Outlaw's Journal is dedicated to the memory of Joe Byrne, a 19th century outlaw and member of the infamous Kelly Gang. It tells his story through dramatic reconstructions based on detailed historical knowledge.

Derail History: Glenrowan depicts the tragic siege of Glenrowan in 1880 that saw the destruction of the Kelly Gang and etched them into legend.

Cool and modern yet vintage and classic.

Steve Hart was a jockey and larrikin who threw away a respectable life to take up arms with his mate Dan Kelly as a bushranger. Aggressive and impulsive, Steve was effectively the gang's attack dog, helping Ned to persuade his victims into cooperating.

Joe Byrne is remembered as the lieutenant of the Kelly Gang, a flash outlaw fond of song, alcohol and opium. An Outlaw's Journal portrays the side of Joe forgotten by many history books: the lover, the poet, a son struggling to live up to expectations thrust upon him in a world he doesn't fit into. Grounded by his love for his girlfriend Maggie, Joe's story is one of drama, romance and tragedy.

City Hall 1886 is taking a morning run.

Sometimes the gang does something right.

Steve Hart was a jockey and larrikin who threw away a respectable life to take up arms with his mate Dan Kelly as a bushranger. Aggressive and impulsive, Steve was effectively the gang's attack dog, helping Ned to persuade his victims into cooperating.

One of Australia's most notorious bushranger gangs, the Kelly gang comprised of Ned Kelly, his little brother Dan and their friends Joe Byrne and Steve Hart. Between October 1878 and June 1880 they were the most wanted men in the British Empire until they had one final stand-off with police at Glenrowan.

Born in one of the most tumultuous periods in Australian history, Joe Byrne was destined for a remarkable life. Classy, erudite and handsome, Joe was also a larrikin who could speak Cantonese and was an expert at stock theft. When he teamed up with Ned Kelly little did he know that his whole life would change completely.

Philly remains undefeated

A list of the many locations connected to the life of Joe Byrne.

Now how about we go toe-to-toe on Bird Law and see who comes out the victor

Four gallant officers of the Victoria Police rode into the Wombat Ranged in October 1878 - only one returned. The party, led by Sgt. Michael Kennedy, included constables Thomas McIntyre, Michael Scanlan and Thomas Lonigan. They were tasked with capturing Ned and Dan Kelly for attempted murder. On October 26, the police camp was ambushed by the Kelly brothers and their mates Joe Byrne and Steve Hart. Three police were murdered but McIntyre narrowly escaped.

The journey from best of friends to murder is one that has inspired many artists and authors for more than 130 years. By June 1880 the rumour and innuendo around Aaron Sherritt had pushed Joe to breaking point, resulting in the most tragic of outcomes.

On the 26th of June 1879, worn down by constant questions regarding Aaron’s loyalty to the gang, Joe scrawled his mate a letter. Despite it being written, I believe, while Joe was heavily under the influence of alcohol, it offers a clear glimpse into his mind at this time.

Joe Byrne was Ned Kelly's best friend and a member of the Kelly Gang. His knack for language was demonstrated in his ability to speak Cantonese and write song lyrics. He transcribed all of Ned's letters and was his most trusted ally. Unfortunately he was also an opium addict who turned on his childhood friend, murdering him in cold blood before dying himself at the siege of Glenrowan.

Cool and modern yet vintage and classic.

Cool and modern yet vintage and classic.

Derail History: Glenrowan depicts the tragic siege of Glenrowan in 1880 that saw the destruction of the Kelly Gang and etched them into legend.

From the pen of Joe Byrne, this is the signature of the outlaw himself. Taken from one of the few samples of his handwriting that still exists.

The little brother of Ned Kelly was a fine horseman, strategic thinker and a far better judge of character than his brother. If Ned had listened to Dan they could have escaped the bloodshed at Glenrowan.

Joe Byrne was a literate outlaw and several examples of his handwriting still exist including this signature that appeared in a letter to his friend Aaron Sherritt.

An Outlaw’s Journal is dedicated to the memory of Joe Byrne and his sweetheart, ‘Maggie’. Written by Georgina Rose Stones

Joe Byrne in his iron armour fighting the police.

Perfect for a sneaky whiskey.

An Outlaw’s Journal is dedicated to the memory of Joe Byrne and his sweetheart, ‘Maggie’. Written by Georgina Rose Stones

Maggie worked at the Vine Hotel in Beechworth as General Servant, where she had been employed (I believe) since 1876. While the circumstances of their first meeting are unknown, Joe was certainly taken by the young woman and she with him. Throughout his outlawry, Joe regularly visited Maggie in her quarters at the Vine, with locals believing her lover to be Paddy Byrne, until she was overheard calling her late night visitor ‘Joe’.

Ned Kelly and Joe Byrne

Joe Byrne is remembered as the lieutenant of the Kelly Gang, a flash outlaw fond of song, alcohol and opium. An Outlaw's Journal portrays the side of Joe forgotten by many history books: the lover, the poet, a son struggling to live up to expectations thrust upon him in a world he doesn't fit into. Grounded by his love for his girlfriend Maggie, Joe's story is one of drama, romance and tragedy.

What is the sum of a man? This gallimaufry is a distillation of Joe Byrne - the outlaw lover of whiskey, opium and music.

Friends until the bitter end.

This design incorporates elements that symbolise the ssence of Joe Byrne's outlaw life: the iron helmet he wore in battle at Glenrowan, his grey mare Music, and his impassioned letter to his closest confidante Aaron Sherritt.