Introduction

The Place Now Called Victoria

Rural Victoria

Ned Kelly

A Jewel in the Crown

Marvellous Melbourne

Victorians at War

Victorian Stories

Ned Kelly - Man & Myth

The figure of Edward 'Ned' Kelly needs no introduction in Australia, but we are more familiar with the myths surrounding him than with the man himself. He is seen as a hero, a criminal, a larrikin and a champion of the underdog.

       

Since he came to the attention of the police, the media and the general public, Ned Kelly's actions have been studied, analysed and interpreted to create a cast of characters for this one person. Historians have endeavoured to piece together the clues to his real identity from the historical records and artefacts that have survived through time. The State Library of Victoria holds the two objects that, in combination, represent the most complete self-portrait of Ned Kelly: the Jerilderie Letter and his suit of armour. One gives us an insight into Kelly's thoughts and emotions and his concern for those around him. The other presents his public 'face' and his stand against authority. Ned Kelly's armour is a potent relic of both a defeated criminal and a fallen hero, an ambiguity that will possibly never be reconciled.

Ned Kelly continues to be reinterpreted and remains an enduring presence within Australian literature, visual arts, cinema, performing arts, music and popular culture.


Illustrations
Left: When the Kellys rode, c1934 Cinesound Productions
Centre (detail) and Right: Armour work by Ned Kelly at the siege of Glenrowan on 28 June 1880