Joseph Wright of Derby
Welcome to the online home of Derby Museums’ Joseph Wright Collection
Explore the world’s largest collection of work by 18th century artist, Joseph Wright of Derby.
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.
How to use this website
Records for each item in the collection can be searched and explored on this website, funded by a digital project grant from the Paul Mellon Centre.
As research continues records will be enhanced with new information and we encourage you to contact us if you can share any new information, or if you notice any errors.
Much of the collection can be viewed in person at Derby Museums’ Museum and Art Gallery, where there is a gallery dedicated to Wright’s oil paintings, along with a public study room that houses the artist’s drawings and a large library of related books and catalogues.
This website indicates which items are likely to be on display, but if you are planning to make a trip to see something in particular, please contact Derby Museums first to avoid disappointment.
Supported by the Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art