HALF DAZED AND HALF DRUNK

Johnny ‘Tubs’ Whelan was a member of Tilly Devine's famous razor gang which dominated the cocaine distribution and illegal prostitution houses in Kings Cross. A notorious stand over man, Tubs Whelan was arrested for drunk and disorderly behaviour; and bashing the publican of the Empire Hotel in Surry Hills because he wanted to drink beyond the six o’clock closing hour. He was also arrested at a later date for his role in the riot known as the Battle of Kellet Street, a street war that broke out between another major razor gang run by prominent madam, Kate Leigh.

Steve Rodgers (alias Johnny ‘Tubs’ Whelan), 8 October 1927, Central Police Station. 

Half Dazed and Half Drunk, 2010
Lambda (C-type) photographic print on Fuji Crystal Archive Lustre
Matte black gator board edge unframed
120cm (w) x 60cm (h) x 2cm (d), 2kgs
Limited Edition