'Wright of Derby: From the Shadows' is the first major exhibition dedicated to the 18th century British artist and his ‘candlelight’ paintings. The study day will be an opportunity to rediscover this important artist and his extraordinary paintings and his engagement with light and darkness, his artistic practice and historical background as well as contemporary scientific, industrial and artistic developments which were crucial to his work. The study day will also focus on his visit to Italy and his novel and dramatic paintings of volcanic eruptions, inspired by Vesuvius, as well as his other dramatic landscapes, and portraits.

Lecture 1: Who was Joseph Wright? His Early Life and Training from Derby to London and Italy.

Lecture 2: Wright’s Tour of Italy and the Establishment of His Career in Bath and Derby.

Lecture 3: Wright’s Later Career and Legacy.