Dr. Benjamin William McCready (1813-1892) 1858 - 1869

This photograph of Dr. Benjamin William McCready was produced by Jeremiah Gurney in the mid-19th century. Gurney, a pioneer in American photography, captured McCready, a prominent physician known for his work on occupational health, during a period of significant social and industrial change. McCready’s focus on the health of workers, particularly in the context of emerging industrialization, brings forward questions of class and labor. In an era marked by rapid economic shifts and growing disparities, his medical work provided a critical lens on the human cost of progress. The portrait itself, with McCready’s composed demeanor and formal attire, reflects the dignity and seriousness with which he approached his profession. What does it mean to look at this image now, knowing what we do about the legacy of industrialization and its impact on workers' bodies and lives? How does McCready’s image invite us to consider the ongoing struggles for health and justice in our own time?