From 1841 to 1912 these sandstone buildings were Darlinghurst Gaol: writer Henry Lawson was incarcerated here several times for debt (he called the place ‘Starvinghurst’). If today’s art students think they’ve got it tough, they should spare a thought for the 732 prisoners who were crammed in here, or the 76 who were hanged.
The central circular building was the chapel. A tiny former morgue near the Burton St exit has creepy skull-and-crossbone carvings. There’s also an excellent on-site gallery showcasing students’ work.
