Collection

Joseph Wright of Derby

Born in Derby in 1734, Wright is an internationally renowned artist, whose paintings and works on paper adorn the walls of major galleries the world over. Derby Museums is home to the world’s largest collection of his work.

Derby Museums is home to the world’s largest collection of works by Joseph Wright of Derby but his art also graces the walls of some of the most famous galleries, including The Hermitage in St Petersburg, New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, Tate Britain, and the National Gallery of Victoria, Australia.

Collection Highlights

A Philosopher Giving that Lecture on an Orrery, in which a Lamp is put in the Place of the Sun

When Joseph Wright first exhibited this painting in 1766, it inspired high praise and even poetry. It remains one of his most famous paintings. At its centre, a red gowned philosopher presents a lecture on astronomy using a clockwork model of the solar system called an ‘Orrery’. When it was painted, scientific lectures and demonstrations were popular forms of public entertainment. In Derby, where there was great interest in science and technology, such lectures were held regularly at the Town Hall. These events, combined with Wright’s friendship with some of Derby’s leading scientific minds, may have inspired him to paint this picture. His choice of subject was unprecedented at the time and his dramatic use of light captured the public imagination.

Self-Portrait at the Age of About Forty

‘Self-Portrait at the Age of About Forty’, and on the reverse a study for Wright’s famous painting ‘An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump’ has been added to our existing Joseph Wright collection and is on permanent public display where it can be enjoyed by local, national and international followers of Wright’s work. The self-portrait captures a sense of the self-confidence and recognition of Wright’s growing reputation for his so-called ‘candlelight paintings.’ It is also the only one of Wright’s ten self-portraits in which he specifically depicts himself as an artist, and it is packed with references to his specialism as a master painter of light effects. © Image Omnia Art Ltd.

The Alchymist, in Search of the Philosopher’s Stone, discovers Phosphorus, and prays for the successful conclusion of his operation, as was the custom of the ancient chymical astrologers

The German alchemist Hennig Brandt discovered phosphorus during an experiment with fermented urine in 1669. Like other alchemists, Brandt had been trying to make the Philosophers’ Stone; a magical substance that could turn base metals into gold. This painting appears to have been based on a description of the making of phosphorus in a book about chemistry by Pierre-Joseph Macquer, which was shared with Joseph Wright by the Liverpool chemist, Matthew Turner. Wright’s scene focusses on the first signs of phosphorus which appears as a jet of blue light from a hole in the flask. The alchemist and his assistants stare on in amazement. Phosphorus is a natural resource that is essential to life. As a fertiliser, it plays an important role in meeting the food needs of our world’s growing population. Most phosphorus comes from the mining of phosphate rock, which in the 1700s occurred with little thought for the future. We now face the challenge of living within the world’s limited natural resources.

A Girl Reading a Letter with an Old Man Reading over her Shoulder and Two Boys Fighting Over a Bladder.

A Girl Reading a Letter with an Old Man Reading over her Shoulder and Two Boys Fighting Over a Bladder, are on long-term loan to Derby Museum and Art Gallery from a private UK collection, these paintings have only been seen fleetingly on four previous occasions and will now be accessible to a wider audience as part of this long-term loan agreement. A Girl Reading a Letter with an Old Man Reading over her Shoulder and Two Boys Fighting Over a Bladder are captivating examples of what were known in the 18th century as ‘fancies’. Often depicting children, or young adults, and treated with Wright’s trademark approach to painting light, these subjects proved popular throughout his career. Referencing childhood innocence, love and the transience of life, Derby Museums hopes these paintings will have a universal appeal whilst capturing the attention of scholars and Wright specialists who may have never seen these works before. Fighting Over a Bladder.

Joseph Wright Online

Explore the world’s largest collection of work by 18th century artist, Joseph Wright of Derby on josephwrightofderby.com Founded in 1882, the Joseph Wright Collection at Derby Museums now numbers almost 600 individual items and is ‘Designated’ by Arts Council England as a collection of outstanding national significance. Objects range from oil paintings – including some of Wright’s most celebrated works – to drawings, and printed reproductions of the artist’s work, as well as personal correspondence, tools, and archival material. This website, supported by the Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art, allows you to explore the entire collection online.

Joseph Wright Study Room

Derby Museums cares for the largest collection of works by artist Joseph Wright of Derby anywhere in the world. The Joseph Wright Study Room is home to over 300 drawings and sketches by Wright, as well as engravings, letters and a large library of related books. Anyone is welcome to visit the Study Room however, before making a trip please call ahead and book an appointment so that you can make the most of your visit. To book, please call 01332 641901 or email info@derbymuseums.org.

About the collection

Born in Derby in 1734, Wright is an internationally renowned artist, whose paintings and works on paper adorn the walls of major galleries the world over. Famed as a “painter of light” and for his association with key members of the intellectual movement known as the Enlightenment, he is now considered to be one of Britain’s most interesting and wide-ranging painters.

The story of Wright’s life and art is told in the Joseph Wright Gallery, where a large selection of his paintings are on permanent display. The Joseph Wright Study Room is home to the museums’ remarkable collection of Wright’s drawings, as well as prints, letters and other archive materials related to the artist. At Pickfords’ House, a further selection of his paintings can be seen as part of the domestic interior style of his times.

Thanks to our Young Co-producers Network, the gallery has accessible labels in hand-held guides, a story map visual on the floor which takes visitors on a journey through Wright’s life and work and an introductory panel that helps visitors get to know the artist. This work has been supported by the Royal Academy of Arts and we thank all the young people involved for their ideas and commitment to the project.

What can I see?

Wright’s masterpiece, the ‘Orrery’, can be seen in the Joseph Wright Gallery alongside less well-known but equally spectacular paintings. Our knowledgeable gallery assistants are on hand to help answer any questions you might have.

What can I do?

Follow the story of Wright’s life and art through the trail in the Joseph Wright Gallery. Delve deeper in the Joseph Wright Study Room and discover more about his working methods, his friends, family, and legacy.

What can I learn?

In the Joseph Wright Gallery you can learn more about Wright, his life, and world. Discover what it is about Wright’s work that continues to draw people to Derby from all over the world.

The relevance of Wright’s art has not diminished over time and continues to attract new audiences. Derby Museums is home to the world’s largest collection of Wright’s work but his art also graces the walls of some of the most famous galleries, including The Hermitage in St Petersburg, New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, Tate Britain, and the National Gallery of Victoria, Australia.

In addition to our Joseph Wright Collection we have a wider collection of fine art. You can take a look at all of our fine art collection, including the Joseph Wright collection, on Art UK.

We are currently inviting visitors to experience our Year of Wright — a year-long celebration of the life, art, and enduring relevance of Joseph Wright of Derby (1734–1797), one of Britain’s most original and visionary painters.