Wright of Derby: From the Shadows Exhibition Catalogue

Special Gallery price £16.95 - RRP: £20.00

Accompanies the exhibition at the National Gallery, London, 7 November 2025–10 May 2026, and Derby Museum and Art Gallery, 12 June–1 November 2026.

Renowned for depicting dramatic contrasts between darkness and light, Joseph Wright of Derby (1734–1797) created a significant series of paintings by candlelight between 1765 and 1773. He developed this signature style to become one of the most innovative artistic talents working in Britain, contributing to a period of profound change in the country’s visual arts.

Engaging with contemporary debates around observation and spectacle, Wright explored the expressive power of shadows and illumination in scenes of science and learning, childhood play and working-class labour. His mastery of candlelight found its perfect complement in the mezzotint print, a vital tool for reaching new audiences and building his reputation. Centred around masterpieces from the National Gallery, London and Derby Museums, this book examines the social and artistic context of Wright’s pictures, foregrounding them as outstanding examples of European painting.

Authors

Christine Riding is Director of Collections and Research at the National Gallery, London
Jon King is a Research Fellow and formerly Bernays Curatorial Fellow of British Paintings at the National Gallery, London.