At the royal college of Physicians
and surgeons of Glasgow
and surgeons of Glasgow
This was a time of great change for the expanding city. Industry, shipbuilding, engineering and banking generated wealth, with new streets and imposing architecture a visible sign of Glasgow’s status. At the same time, inner city overcrowding, poor housing and poverty resulted in fatal health problems. In December 1863 and January 1864, deaths exceeded births in the city’s health statistics. The annual report stated that there was “an unsatisfactory condition of the public health”.
Thomas Annan was a prominent photographer during this time and photographed the horrendous conditions of the city slums. These photographs were used by the City of Glasgow Improvement Trust in preparation for the redevelopment of these areas under the Glasgow City Improvements Act of 1866.