This is a letter written by Peter Perez Burdett (1934-1793), on the back/verso is a sketch, 'The Captive King' a working drawing by Joseph Wright (1734-1797) for a now lost painting 'Guy de Lusignan in Prison' (see DBYMU 1914-517/78A). The letter (handwritten in ink), is adressed to 'To Mr Joseph Wright at Derby, Derbyshire' also 'single sheet' and stamped 'Liverpool'. The inscription, top right hand corner, redas 'Dear Joe. The sketch of the barn is very incorrect in point of perspective but if the subject pleases you I will send you a projection exactly drawn the same observation upon the inside of the ship. You was once thinking of reversing the view of the ship, the main deck sd be...'. Inscribed on by Peter Perez Burdett (1934-1793), 1772, Ink on paper. Displayed in a cream window mount.

Exhibitions:

  • Title: Paintings by Joseph Wright, A.R.A., commonly called "Wright of Derby", together with some Original Drawings, and a Complete Collection of Prints after his Works
    Venue: Derby Corporation Art Gallery
    Dates: from 22/07/1883 to 22/07/1883
  • Title: Pictures by Joseph Wright of Derby
    Venue: Graves Art Gallery, Sheffield
    Dates: from 17/07/1950 to 27/07/1950
  • Title: Joseph Wright of Derby in Liverpool
    Venue: Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool
    Dates: from to
  • Title: Joseph Wright of Derby: An Exhibition to Commemorate the Centenary of Derby Museums and Art Gallery
    Venue: Derby Museum and Art Gallery
    Dates: from 21/04/1979 to 21/07/1979
  • Title: Joseph Wright of Derby, 1734-1797: Bicentenary Exhibition
    Venue: Wallis, Jane
    Dates: from 21/06/1997 to 28/09/1997
  • Title: Joseph Wright of Derby: Life on Paper
    Venue: Derby Museum and Art Gallery
    Dates: from 23/05/2025 to 07/09/2025

Publications

  • Title: Joseph Wright of Derby 1734 - 1797
    Sub-Title: An introduction to the work of Joseph Wright of Derby with a catalogue of drawings held by Derby Museum and Art Gallery. Published on the occasion of an exhibition commemorating the Bicentenary of the artist's death.
    Author: Wallis, Jane
    Published Place: Derby
    Published Year: 1997
  • Title: Joseph Wright of Derby: Painter of Light
    Sub-Title: Volume 1
    Volume: 1
    Author: Benedict Nicolson
    Published Place: London
    Copyright: Benedict Nicolson, 1968
    Published Year: 1968

Related People

  • Joseph Wright of Derby (Artist)

    Display Date: British, 1734 - 1797

    Nationality: British

    Biography: Artist.

  • Peter Perez Burdett (Artist)

    Display Date: British, 1733 - 1793

    Nationality: British

    Biography: Cartographer; artist.

Verso: Letter written by Peter Perez Burdett to Joseph Wright of Derby, with a Study for 'The Captive King'

Date: c. 1772-1773

Medium: Pen and ink on laid paper.

Object Type:Letter
Dimensions:Support: 337 × 397 mm (13 1/4 × 15 5/8 in.)
Provenance:...; William Bemrose of Derby; by descent to his son, Charles Lloyd Bemrose, by whom donated to Derby Museums in 1914.
Viewing Status:Contact Us
Item Ref:1914-517/78B
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