Mezzotint-engraving after Joseph Wright of Derby (1797-1734) 'An Iron Forge'. the interior of an iron forge with water-powered hammer. There are two blacksmiths, one working and the other with a family, a lady with three children and a dog. There is an elderly gentleman sat leaning on a staff with one of the children at his side. Inscribed: bottom centre 'An Iron Forge', bottom right hand side 'Jo Wright pinxt 1772' and 'Rd Earlom fec' and 'J Boydell excudit Jan 1 1773'. Made by Richard Earlom (1743-1822). Mezzotint-engraving and etching. Paper.

Exhibitions:

  • Title: Wright of Derby: From the Shadows
    Venue: National Gallery
    Dates: from 07/11/2025 to 01/11/2026

Publications

  • Title: Wright of Derby
    Published Place: London
    Copyright: The Tate Gallery
    Published Year: 1990
  • Title: Catalogue of the Engraved Works of Joseph Wright, A.R.A., "Wright of Derby"

Related People

  • Joseph Wright of Derby (Artist)

    Display Date: British, 1734 - 1797

    Nationality: British

    Biography: Artist.

An Iron Forge

Date: 1773

Medium: Mezzotint engraving and etching.

Object Type:Print
Dimensions:Support: 478 × 592 mm (18 13/16 × 23 5/16 in.)
Description:According to Williamson's and Clayton's catalogues, this is a Second State impression.
Inscriptions:Recto, on image, from left to right: ‘An IRON FORGE / Jo Wright Pinxt 1772 / Rd Earlom, Sc / J Boydell Excudit Publish’d Jany. 1, 1773’.
Provenance:...; possibly in the collection of William Bemrose of Derby; transferred from the Bemrose Library to Derby Museums, 1921.
Viewing Status:Contact Us
Item Ref:1921-818/2
Browse Collection
Browse Collection