4. Ronnie Kray
Another British criminal turned artist, Ronnie Kray, most likely suffered from paranoid schizophrenia. The Kray twins with their gang, “The Firm”, were involved in armed robberies, arson, protection rackets, assaults, and the murders of Jack “The Hat” McVitie and George Cornell. Their criminal records and dishonourable discharges ended their boxing careers, and the brothers turned to crime full-time. In the 1960s, they were widely seen as prosperous and charming celebrity nightclub owners and were part of the swinging London scene. A large part of their fame was due to their non-criminal activities as popular figures on the celebrity circuit, even being photographed by David Bailey. Ronnie went on to become a painter during his lengthy time served at her majesty’s pleasure, more ‘insider’ artist, than outsider! But Ronnie’s art was rarely critiqued – probably because no one would dare.