Joseph Wright of Derby: Illuminating the Industrial Age Joseph Wright of Derby, a name synonymous with dramatic lighting and scenes of burgeoning industry in 18th-century England, was more than just a painter; he was a visual chronicler of his time. Born in Derby in 1734, Wright’s life unfolded against the backdrop of significant social and economic change – the rise of industrialization, scientific discovery, and shifting societal values. His career, spanning nearly six decades, saw him evolve from a provincial portraitist to one of Britain's most original and influential artists, a positio…