Joseph Wright's masterpieces "An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump" (1768) and "A Philosopher Lecturing on the Orrery" (1766) are reunited in Derby for the first time in 80 years. The works anchor a new exhibition, "Joseph Wright: From the Shadows," at Derby Museum & Art Gallery, which is the first show dedicated to the artist's candlelight paintings. The National Gallery in London has loaned the Bird in the Air Pump, while the Orrery belongs to the museum. The exhibition also includes 21 paintings from Derby Museums' collection, two 17th-century Dutch candlelight works, and Wright's rarely-seen "An Academy by Lamplight" (1769). A self-guided tour across Derby highlights sites that inspired the artist, including Derby Cathedral and Full Street.
This reunion matters because it restores a historic pairing of two iconic British artworks in the city where Wright lived and worked, offering a rare opportunity for both local and national audiences to see them together. The exhibition and tour underscore Derby's claim as the birthplace of one of Britain's most original artistic voices, reinforcing the cultural significance of Wright's legacy. The show also marks the finale of Derby's Year of Wright, a citywide celebration that positions the artist as a central figure in British art history.