Exhibition for city's 'most famous artistic son'

The exhibition will challenge the traditionally-held view Wright was solely a figurehead of the Age of Enlightenment

A special exhibition showcasing Derby's "most famous artistic son" will take place later this year.

The display at the National Gallery in London will be the first major exhibition of candlelight paintings created by 18th Century painter Joseph Wright, known as Joseph Wright of Derby.

Derby Museums Trust will lend a number of pieces to be used in the event, which begins in November.

Tony Butler, executive director of the trust, said: "We're very excited his work will be showcased in this way."

Joseph Wright of Derby was known for showcasing the industrial and scientific revolution in his paintings

Wright, who is viewed as a painter who ushered in the industrial and scientific revolution in the 18th century, was one of the first people to portray industry through art work alongside traditional landscapes and portraits

The National Gallery said the exhibition will challenge the traditionally-held view the painter was solely a figurehead of the Enlightenment and "looks beyond his position as the painter of light".

With more than 20 works, including other paintings, mezzotints, works on paper and objects, the exhibition explores both Wright's "artistic practice and the historic context of scientific and artistic development in which they were made".

Tony Butler, from Derby Museums Trust, has been working behind the scenes to help facilitate the move of 17 paintings that will head to London later this year.

Tony Butler from Derby Museums Trust said it will be working to get the pieces ready for the November exhibition

"He is Derby's most famous artistic son - he is a major 18th century painter and should be seen as one of the most prominent figures in British art history," he said.

"We've been working with the National Gallery on this exhibition for the past 18 months and it's going to take a different look at Wright's work.

"He's often seen as a painter of light and this takes a slightly nuanced view of somebody who used shadow and darkness.

"A lot of the work we'll be doing will be getting the pieces ready, refine the storyline for the exhibition and give them a final check over before we send them down."

Wright's 1766 painting the 'Orrery' is considered a masterpiece

Wright of Derby: From the Shadows exhibition will begin on 7 November 2025 and conclude on 10 May 2026. It will take place in the Sunley Room at the National Gallery.