WRIGHT, Joseph English painter (b. 1734, Derby, d. 1797, Derby).
Painter, known as Wright of Derby, where he was born and spent most of his life. He earned a living as a portrait painter, while he experimented with the effects of light and industrial and scientific subjects, reflecting the interests of his day. Two of his best-known works come from this period, A Philosopher Lecturing on the Orrery (1766, Derby) and An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump (1768, Tate). Experiment with the Air Pump c. 1768 Oil on canvas
