Hoods, restraints and straight dresses: Maitland Gaol debuts new exhibition

The 'Punishment Period' exhibit will explore the era between 1867 and 1905 - which saw some of the harshest punishments reintroduced to NSW since the convict era.

Service delivery officer Zoe Whiting said the exhibition explored a lesser known part of Australia's prison history, including the psychologically targeting Separation System where prisoners were kept in isolation.

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"The exhibition focuses on the punishment period. It's a culmination of what was happening in the world finally arriving in Australia in regards to housing and punishing prisoners," she said.

"There had been a social movement happening in America, England and Ireland. So B Wing was built specifically for the separation system."

The exhibition, which will run until July, includes a number of artefacts collected from around the state including whips, handcuffs, hoods and restraints, as well as a female straight dress.

"It's the only one [female straight dress] that we know of that exists in NSW. We believe it's from the late 19th century," Ms Whiting said.

This exhibition will explore the punishments used and touches on the effects this had on prisoners.

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