An Outlaws Journal Pillows

Description: 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.

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

Description: 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.

Description: 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’.

Description: 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.

Description: 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.

Description: Joe Byrne and Aaron Sherritt

Description: Aaron Sherritt: Bush larrikin, trouble-maker and frontiersman. Tough as redwood and flash as Lucifer.

Description: Aaron Sherritt: Bush larrikin, trouble-maker and frontiersman. Tough as redwood and flash as Lucifer. Aaron was Joe Byrne's closest friend but their connection to Ned Kelly would destroy them all.