This guided walk examines Joseph Wright’s life and achievements, considering why Derby Enlightenment culture was so vital for these.

Joseph Wright of Derby was one of the most original artists of the Enlightenment era and some of his paintings such as the Bird in the Air Pump and The Orrery wonderfully encapsulate the excitement of Enlightenment. Derby Museums and Art gallery, of course are the chief repository of Wright’s works in the world. Making a living from portraiture, unlike most major Georgian artists, Wright chose to remain in his home town of Derby for most of his life. As a county town, manufacturing centre and social hub, Derby played an important part in Wright’s life. Touring places associated with his life and achievements, this guided walk considers the full range of Wright’s works and his social networks, assessing why he was so successful. It considers why Enlightenment culture and society in Derby and Derbyshire played such a vital role in Wright’s achievements.