Summary
Researchers are using artificial intelligence (AI) to recreate the faces of Welsh convicts sent to Australia in the 19th century. They used historical records, prisoner documents, and photos of modern descendants to estimate what the convicts might have looked like. More than 60 Welsh criminals were traced, many of whom were deported for minor offenses like theft.
Key Facts
- AI technology was used to create images of Welsh convicts who were sent to Australia in the 1800s.
- Researchers used old prisoner records, sketches, and photos of descendants to design these images.
- At least 1,000 Welsh individuals were among the estimated 162,000 convicts sent to Australia.
- Some crimes leading to deportation were minor, such as stealing a handkerchief or trampling crops.
- Reasons for deportation included overcrowded UK and Irish prisons and the need for labor in Australia.
- About 20% of Australians, and 70% in Tasmania, are thought to be descendants of convicts.
- AI-generated images contribute to a growing interest in convict heritage in Australia.
