Joseph Carey Merrick, an Englishman renowned for his extreme physical deformities, became a notable figure in Victorian society. Initially showcased in a freak show under the moniker "The Elephant Man," Merrick's life took a significant turn when he met Sir Frederick Treves, a prominent surgeon. Following this encounter, he was admitted to the London Hospital in Whitechapel, where he received compassionate care and support. Despite the adversities he faced due to his condition, Merrick demonstrated remarkable creativity, producing intricate artistic works, including detailed models of buildings, which garnered him recognition and respect within London’s social circles.

Born in Leicester, Merrick's physical abnormalities began to manifest before he reached the age of five, marking the beginning of a life filled with challenges. The death of his mother when he was just eleven years old compounded his difficulties, as his father quickly remarried, leaving Merrick feeling alienated and rejected by his new family. In search of acceptance, he left his home to live with his uncle, Charles Merrick. However, the struggle for stability continued when, at the age of seventeen, he entered the Leicester Union Workhouse, a place that offered little comfort or hope for the future.

In 1884, Merrick sought to take control of his circumstances by reaching out to a showman named Sam Torr, expressing his desire to be exhibited. This decision led to the formation of a management team that branded him as "the Elephant Man." After a successful tour of the East Midlands, Merrick made his way to London, where he was displayed in a penny gaff shop operated by showman Tom Norman. It was during this time that he caught the attention of surgeon Frederick Treves, who was intrigued by Merrick's condition and invited him for a medical examination, ultimately changing the trajectory of Merrick's life and leading to a deeper understanding of his unique situation.