Ned Kelly Tapestries

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.

Sidney Nolan

Sidney Nolan

Sidney Nolan

Sidney Nolan

Sidney Nolan

Sidney Nolan

Sidney Nolan

Sidney Nolan

Sidney Nolan

Sidney Nolan

Sidney Nolan

Sidney Nolan

Sidney Nolan

Sidney Nolan

Sidney Nolan

Sidney Nolan

Sidney Nolan

Sidney Nolan

Sidney Nolan

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

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.

Two Aussie icons.

Master of the bluff, Harry Power was a bushranger with a proud record of never shedding blood. He frequently baffled authorities with his ability to traverse vast distances between robberies and is known as Ned Kelly's tutor in bushranging. Power disappeared mysteriously in the 1890s but it is believed he died in 1892 though some believe he survived long after that.

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.

A depiction of the Kelly Gang and their horses inspired by the work of American artist Keith haring.

Ned Kelly, Tommy Clarke, Ben Hall and Captain Moonlite are some of the most infamous bushrangers and now you can wear them all at once

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Joe Byrne in his iron armour fighting the police.

victoria is the rogue state of Australia proved once again by anti lockdown and anti mask rally in melbourne

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.