In June 2026, two of Joseph Wright of Derby’s most celebrated masterpieces are reunited in the artist’s hometown for the first time in 80 years – forming the centrepiece of a landmark free exhibition that brings together his famed candlelight paintings.
Key Facts:
- Joseph Wright: From the Shadows runs from 13 June to 1 November 2026 at Derby Museum & Art Gallery. Admission is free.
- The exhibition is the first dedicated presentation of Joseph Wright of Derby’s celebrated ‘candlelight’ paintings, bringing together twenty-one works from Derby Museums’ internationally significant collection.
- An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump (1768) is on loan from The National Gallery. Its reunion with Derby Museums’ A Philosopher Lecturing on the Orrery in which a Lamp is put in the Place of the Sun (1766) marks the first time the two masterpieces have been shown together in Derby in 80 years.
- Joseph Wright: From the Shadows forms the grand finale of Derby’s Year of Wright, created to reaffirm Derby’s place at the heart of Wright’s story and to strengthen public understanding of his contribution to British art.
- To coincide with the exhibition, Derby Museums is launching a new self-guided trail across Derby and Derbyshire, inviting visitors to explore sites connected to Wright’s life, patrons, and artistic practice.
- Local businesses across the city are also participating in the celebration, including the launch of a special commemorative beer in partnership with local brewery Neon Raptor.
- Joseph Wright of Derby (1734–1797) is widely recognised as one of Britain’s most important 18th-century painters, known for his dramatic use of light and his depictions of scientific discovery, industry, portraiture, and the natural world.
Details
- Friday 12 June, 10 am
- Meet at Derby Museum & Art Gallery, The Strand, Derby, DE1 1BS
- Introduction with Lucy Bamford, Senior Curator for Art, Derby Museums
- Self-guided time in the exhibition, tour and opportunities for interviews
