BRETZ, GEORGE M. (1842-1895) Laborers in the dingy coal mines of Pottsville, Pennsylvania, the gateway to the Anthracite Coal Mining Region and an exterior view of the mine. Together, 2 photographs. Albumen prints, each approximately 13x16 3/4 inches (33x42.6 cm), on period mounts, one with a numeric notation in the negative, and both with Bretz's faint hand stamp; in vintage frames. 1870s
Bretz became focused on photography after the Civil War and made a name for himself photographing the difficult mining conditions in Pennsylvania. He is considered to be one of the first to photograph underground, and gained notoriety for his accomplishment. His photographs were displayed at the 1893 World's Fair and are currently held in the collections of both the University of Maryland, Baltimore County as well as The Smithsonian.
