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 175…