Two masterpieces by the celebrated Derby artist Joseph Wright have been reunited in his hometown for the first time in 80 years. They form the centrepiece of Joseph Wright: From the Shadows, the world's first exhibition dedicated to his famous candlelight paintings.
Exhibition Details
The free exhibition at Derby Museum and Art Gallery brings together 21 items from the local collection, plus An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump (1768) on loan from The National Gallery, London. It sits next to Derby's own A Philosopher Lecturing on the Orrery in which a Lamp is put in the Place of the Sun (1766). The exhibition is the first time the two paintings have been seen together in Derby since 1947. Wright's work reveals his mastery of light, drama and human emotion from an era when science was theatre and discovery was a spectacle.
Curator's Insight
Senior curator Lucy Bamford said: "These paintings are among the most powerful, unforgettable images of British art. Seeing them reunited in Derby – where Wright's story began – is a rare and inspiring experience."
Additional Exhibits
Two 17th-century Dutch candlelight paintings on loan from the National Gallery explore Wright's wider influences. Visitors can also view his rarely seen An Academy by Lamplight (1769), held in a private collection.
City-Wide Celebration
Alongside the exhibition, Derby Museums will launch a city-wide celebration of Wright's legacy, including a new self-guided trail through places connected to the artist. There's even a specially created commemorative beer in partnership with local brewery Neon Raptor. The celebrations mark the finale of the Year of Wright, which began with Life on Paper exploring his lifelong love of drawing.
"This exhibition places Derby at the centre of one of the most significant cultural moments of summer 2026," said Tony Butler, executive director of Derby Museums. "It is a celebration not only of Joseph Wright's legacy but of the city that shaped one of Britain's most original artistic voices. Our Year of Wright finale will show that there is no Wright without Derby."
Funding and Dates
The Weston Loan Programme with Art Fund is a UK-wide scheme which enables smaller and local authority museums to borrow art and artefacts from national collections. Joseph Wright: From the Shadows can be seen at Derby Museum and Art Gallery until November 1. Location: Derby in Derbyshire.
