
Joseph Wright Study Room
Derby Museums Trust cares for the largest collection of works by artist Joseph Wright of Derby anywhere in the world. The Joseph Wright Study Room is home to over 300 drawings and sketches by Wright, as well as engravings, letters and a large library of related books.
Anyone is welcome to visit the Study Room, however, before making a trip please call ahead and book an appointment so that you can make the most of your visit. Please be advised the space is restricted to two people at a time. To book, please call 01332 641901 or email info@derbymuseums.org.
What can I see?
The drawings and prints are stored in specially designed drawers allowing over 100 to be viewed close up. Discover Wright's earliest known sketches, drawn when he was aged 15-16 years old. Explore studies for his portraits, sketches from Italy and preparatory drawings for some of his finest paintings such as ‘The Alchymist’. Alongside these sit beautiful clocks and intriguing scientific instruments by his friend, John Whitehurst (1713-1788).

What can I do?
The Joseph Wright Study Room curator Matt Edwards is available to offer knowledge, guidance and to assist with your enquiries. You could also meet one of our many volunteers, helping us achieve what we do and developing their own museums experience. We provide a workspace to sit and study with access to the reference library and Wi-Fi.

What can I learn?
The study room is dedicated to the life and work of Joseph Wright, and the collections offer a rare insight into 18th century Derbyshire, during what is termed the ‘Age of Enlightenment’. You may also wish to enquire about other artist’s work we hold in our fine art collection, which is especially useful to students, historians and genealogists.

Visit our online SHOP

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External link to product: FIRE IN ROME
£20.00
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External link to product: GIRANDOLA FROM THE CASTEL SANT’ANGELO
£20.00
Derby Museums is a registered charity. Sales from our shop support our work.
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