Joseph Wright (1734-1797)
Joseph Wright (1734-1797), of Derby, painter and member of the Lunar Society
1734 Born at 28 Irongate, Derby, on 3 September, of John Wright (1697–1767), attorney, and his wife, Hannah Brookes (1700–1764).
1751 Wright began two years' training under Thomas Hudson, then the most highly reputed portraitist in London.
1753 Wright returned to Derby
1756 re-entered Hudson's studio for a further fifteen months, forming a lasting friendship with his fellow pupil John Hamilton Mortimer.
Wright was content to make Derby his principal base throughout his career.
Wright's name is often linked with the Lunar Society of Birmingham, who from about 1764–5 met monthly to discuss the practical application of scientific knowledge. Wright did not belong to it but his friends John Whitehurst and Dr Erasmus Darwin were member and he drew ideas from it.
See Also
Sources of Information
- Biography of John Wright of Derby, ODNB