Michael J. Gallagher (1898-1965) was a sickly boy in a family of Irish Pitmen in Scranton PA and he was never employed in the mines. He joined up for WW1, shipped out - and contracted TB at boot camp. He was sent to a sanatorium to convalesce. He drew to amuse himself and a doctor was so impressed with his talent that he gave him all the materials he needed and recommended art school. He moved to New York City, worked as a bell hop and took etching classes at the Art Students League. From there he went to Philadelphia to the School of Industrial Arts. He was offered the job of technical director of the Philadelphia Printmaking branch of the WPA art project.