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 chronicler of his time. Born in Derby on September 3rd, 1734, into a family of modest means, Wright’s artistic journey began humbly, apprenticed to a local picture dealer. However, it was his relocation to London in 1751 and subsequent training under the established portraitist Thomas Hudson that provided him with foundational skills. Yet, it wasn't London that truly shaped hi…