“MY DEAR FRIEND,
“The two pictures I exhibited last year in the R. Academy of
‘Romeo & Juliet’ and Antigonus in the ‘Storm,’ were certainly
painted too dark, sad emblems of my then gloomy mind. I
have simplified the back ground of the former, enlarged the
parts, and thrown more light into the Tomb, so that Julia is
bright without being a spot; & the picture of the ‘Storm,’ I
have near gone over the whole; rendering the parts clear &
distinct, without weakening the character of Gloominess, and,
if a man may be allowed to judge & speak of his own works,
they are much improved indeed. I wish Heath was to see ’em
now. I think he would like them, & perhaps indulge us with
plates from them. I have a strange wish to see them well
engraved as they are, though unworthy of adding to Boydell’s
collection. I intended to have exhibited them at the Lyceum,
but they[46] have quarrelled amongst themselves and don’t
make one. Do you think Macklin would hang them in his room
a month or two, for I wish to have them better seen by the
publick than they have been. I communicate this to you to
judge of, because I well know you regard both my interests
& honour. I have heard nothing from Macklin respecting my
painting for him. Tom Tate some time ago told me that Rogers,
of Liverpool, who is concerned in the work, asked him if he
thought, upon proper application being made, I would undertake
any subjects, for it was much their wishes that I should be
concerned. Macklin used me querely in his first scheme, & his
application, if he does not wish to engage me, will now come
with an ill grace.
“JO^S WRIGHT.
“St. Ellens,
“14^{th} Feby., /91.”
CHAPTER IX.
DEATH OF MRS. WRIGHT.--REMOVES TO QUEEN STREET,
DERBY.--WRIGHT’S LAST ILLNESS AND DEATH.--MR. J. LEIGH PHILIPS
ON THE CHARACTER OF WRIGHT.--SALE OF WRIGHT’S PICTURES IN
LONDON AND DERBY.--LETTERS FROM J. HOLLAND AND REV. THOS.
GISBORNE.
On August 19^{th} 1790, Mrs. Wright died of consumption, aged 41. This
loss inflicted a crushing domestic blow to her husband, whose health
now began seriously to fail, and from his MS. Book we are enabled by
the following receipt to fix the time when Wright left St. Helen’s
house (which was soon after pulled down), and by the name of the owner
of the property, Mr. Bainbrigge, we are enabled to identify the house
in which Wright resided down to the time of his death. The receipt is
as follows:--
“May 1, 1793. Settled with M^r Wright for half a year’s rent (Twenty
pounds) due Lady Day last.
“THOMAS BAINBRIGGE, Jun.”
The house is No. 26, in Queen Street, and is the first house in the
Parish of St. Alkmund--St. Michael’s being the adjoining parish. The
Family Vault was in St. Michael’s Church, but we find the Painter’s
family are interred in the church of the parish in which they lived.
His niece, Miss Wright, says:--“He removed to a house in Queen
Street, near to St. Alkmund’s Ch.; there the windows all looked into
the street, or upon buildings at the back part. The gardens being
beyond them, it was a dull prospect for him.” The house was roomy and
substantial, with a large garden, which in Wright’s time would be open
to the Cherry Orchard, now Orchard Street. The premises now open into
Chapel Street. This house afterwards became the post office, until the
year 1840, and is now in the occupation of Mr. Allen.
The buildings appear to be in much the same state now as they were
at that time. Some outbuildings obstruct the view of the garden, an
archway giving the only glimpse of what was then open country, and
this peep was obtained by looking through a very pretty wrought iron
gate, no doubt from the hammer and anvil of Bakewell, who has left many
examples of his art and skill in the town and neighbourhood. A drawing
of the gate is here given, as it is worthy of preservation.
During the latter part of 1795 he became too ill to use his pencil, and
when his first grandchild was born in 1796, he talked of introducing
her in an unfinished portrait of her mother, in the place of a music
book, but the picture was left unaltered, as were the portraits of his
brother and his wife. He was so pleased with his brother’s portrait at
the first sitting, that he said “he should be afraid of touching it
again, lest the likeness should not be so good,” and so it remained.
[Illustration: GARDEN ENTRANCE TO HOUSE IN QUEEN STREET, DERBY.]
In the month of May, 1797, he took to his bed; about this time his nose
bled to such a degree as to prevent his lying down, and from the feeble
state he was in, he had not strength to hold up his head for long
together. A broad ribbon was therefore tied to each side of the head
of the bed, upon which he rested his chin, and this simple contrivance
afforded him great relief. His sufferings, from a complication of
diseases, were very great, and he gradually became weaker. His daughter
Harriet attended him night and day during this his last illness, and on
the afternoon of the 29th of August, 1797, he expressed his pleasure
at having those around him he had always loved. About two hours before
he died, his friend, Mr. Tate, of Liverpool, having come to Derby, was
anxious to see him, and was admitted. Wright seemed pleased to see his
old friend, though he could scarcely articulate, but he drew with his
fingers upon the sheet, as if expressive of the pleasure they formerly
enjoyed together in following that pursuit. He was buried on September
1st, 1797, in St. Alkmund’s Church, and the following inscription was
placed on a tablet[47] erected to his memory:--
IN THE MIDDLE ISLE, OPPOSITE TO THIS PILLAR, ARE DEPOSITED THE
REMAINS OF JOSEPH WRIGHT, ESQ.,
PAINTER.
HE DIED AUGUST 29TH, 1797, IN THE 63RD YEAR OF HIS AGE.
His well earn’d Merit in his Works is shown,
Where Taste and Genius mark him for their own.
[Illustration: MONUMENT IN ST. ALKMUND’S CHURCH, DERBY.]
On an old paper, on which was written the above couplet, there was also
the following lines:--
His age & Death alone are here expressed,
All friends to Taste and Genius know the rest.
Mr. Jno. Leigh Philips, who wrote an account[48] of Wright shortly
after his death, thus writes of him:--
“In his person he was rather above the middle size, and when young was
esteemed a very handsome man; his company was then much courted on
account of his pleasing vivacity and convivial habits; his eyes were
prominent and very expressive; in his manners he was mild, unassuming,
modest to an extreme, generous and full of sensibility, with the
perfect carriage of a gentleman; honourable and punctual in all his
transactions, he entertained the most utter contempt for everything
like meanness or illiberality; and his good heart felt but too
poignantly for the misconduct of others.
“I may truly observe of him that he stedfastly acted on the principle
of always continuing to learn; from conversation, from examining
pictures, and, above all, from the study of nature, he was constantly
endeavouring to advance in the knowledge of his art; and to this
habit, as wise as it was modest, of considering himself through life
as a learner, no small share of his excellence may be ascribed. This
disposition was naturally attended with a candid readiness to adopt,
from the practice of other artists, new modes of proceeding, when they
appeared to him rational, and to make trial in studies on a small scale
of such as seemed in a tolerable degree promising.
“We shall conclude our account of Mr. Wright, in his private capacity
as a man, with observing that he repeatedly evinced much liberality,
by giving valuable pictures to individuals among his private friends,
or to persons to whom he thought himself obliged. In various instances
these gifts were _manifestly_ disinterested; and they were always
conferred in a very pleasing manner, which declined rather than sought
the expression of gratitude.
“In addition to the character which he merits for the executive part
of his art, it is pleasing to record, that in his works the attention
is ever directed to the cause of virtue: that his early historical
pictures consist of subjects either of rational or moral improvement,
and he has succeeded admirably in arresting the gentler feelings of
humanity, for what eye or heart ever remained unmoved at the sight
of ‘Maria,’ Sterne’s ‘Captive,’ or the ‘Dead Soldier.’ In his works
‘not one immoral, one corrupted thought’ occurs to wound the eye of
delicacy, or induce a wish that so exquisite a pencil had not found
employment on more worthy subjects. His pictures may be considered as
the reflexion of his own delicate mind, and will be ranked by posterity
as treasures worthy the imitation of succeeding generations.”
The following letter from Mr. Philips to Dr. Wright is of interest:--
“Manchester, Nov. 18, 1797.
“DEAR SIR,
“You will receive herewith a dozen copies of my account of
your late worthy Brother, which I have got printed more
carefully than was the case in the magazine, in which several
errors had escaped correction. Some few still remain as they
were printed in London, & I had no proof-sheet sent down. I
will thank you to present a copy to Mr. Holland when you have
an opportunity, with my respectful compliments. I have only
to lament my inability to do justice to the character of my
much-valued friend, as it requires abilities much beyond my
scope to point out the beauties of his works, which go far
beyond every modern effort of art, & I do not expect to live
to see them equalled.
“Believe me, with great truth,
“Dear Sir,
“Your faithful, hble. servt,
“J. LEIGH PHILIPS.
“P.S.--My friend Tate brought me a mourning ring, for which
accept my grateful thanks.”
“Derby, Irongate, 27 Nov., 1797.
“TO MR. PHILIPS.
“DEAR SIR,
“I was honored with the parcel last Monday containing the
copies of Memoirs of my late Bro^{’s} Life. I return you my
most grateful thanks for them, and think myself much obliged
for the very great attention you have shewn in publishing
the History of my Brother’s Life, wherein you have exhibited
with great judgment and accuracy everything needful to adorn
his character and abilities. The errors you have corrected in
the Magazine are considerable, and make the production more
valuable.
“RICH^D WRIGHT.”
Prefixed to this notice of Wright, by Mr. Philips, was an engraved
portrait of the artist by Blake.
[Illustration: JOSEPH WRIGHT. _Etched by himself._]
Amongst the effects of the late Mr. Geo. Cumberland, who was an
intimate friend of Blake’s, was found an etching, evidently the one
that served Blake as his copy, on which is written, “Wright, of Derby;
etched by himself.” This is the only instance known of Wright having
used the etching point.
I am indebted to Mr. Wm. Edkins, not only for this information, but for
the unique etching itself, which is here reproduced.
The following is a copy of the catalogue of the drawings and paintings
finished and unfinished that were sold by Christie, on May 6th, 1801,
with the prices realized and the names of the purchasers. This, with
the copy of Wright’s MS. book, to be found in the appendix, will form a
very complete list of his principal works:--
[Illustration: Catalogue]
A
Catalogue
OF
THE GENUINE COLLECTION
OF
PICTURES,
BEING
A Selection of the most Capital Performances of that esteemed Artist,
_Mr. Joseph Wright, of Derby_,
DECEASED:
COMPRISING
A VIEW of ULLSWATER, several others in and near Rome, Naples, &c.
_The Old Man and Death_; _The Widow of an Indian Chief_;
AND
A CAPITAL VIEW OF AN ERUPTION OF VESUVIUS,
Besides many other interesting Subjects.
Which will be Sold by Auction,
BY MR. CHRISTIE,
AT HIS ROOM,
(N^o. 118, _late the Royal Academy_) _in Pall Mall_,
On WEDNESDAY, MAY the 6th, 1801,
AT TWELVE o’CLOCK.
May be Viewed Two Days preceding the Sale, when Catalogues may be
had in Pall Mall.
[Illustration]
A Catalogue, &c.
WEDNESDAY, MAY the 6th, 1801.
_PICTURES._
£ s. d.
_Col. Denby._ 1 Ruins--small, unfinished, upright 10 6
_Vernon._ 2 A View of the Lakes, Ditto 1 1 0
_Jenings._ 3 Ditto 1 13 0
_Borrow._ 4 A View with a Bridge, Ditto 2 3 0
_in._ 5 A mountainous Landscape, Ditto 0 12 0
_Rook._ 6 A Castle, by Moonlight, in dead
Colour 1 15 0
_Marshall._ 7 A Fire in a Forest, by Moonlight 0 11 0
in._ 8 A mountainous and woody Landscape,
Oval 2 2 0
_Dorset._ 9 Ruins of a Roman Temple, by
Fire-light 1 9 0
_Heath._ 10 A Boy with a Dog 0 15 0
_Denby._ 11 A Landscape in the Stile of Artois 3 15 0
_Maria Wright._ 12 A Hilly Landscape, with a slated Barn 7 0 0
_Goulding._ 13 A small Mountainous Ditto 2 7 0
_Vernon._ 14 A small pleasing View of a Harbour by
Moonlight, and an unfinished
Landscape the Companion 5 15 6
_Jenings._ 15 A Lake Scene unfinished 5 10 0
_Borrow._ 16 A warm mountainous Landscape, small
upright 5 5 0
_Goulding._ 17 A View of Carnarvon Castle by Fire and
Moonlight, unfinished 5 15 6
_Vernon._ 18 An Italian Landscape with Ruin 6 6 0
_Rawlinson._ 19 A Landscape, a Rock Scene 6 0 0
_Vernon._ 20 A View of the Ponte Nomentano, near
Rome, unfinished 3 0 0
_Heath._ 21 The Dead Soldier, unfinished 5 0 0
_H. Wright._ 22 A View of the Lake of Nemi, a warm
Evening Scene 12 12 0
_Long._ 23 Lady and Beggar Boy, unfinished 1 7 0
_Vernon._ 24 The Glass-House, a Sketch: the Fire
exceedingly well expressed 3 10 0
_Shackman._ 25 A small View of an Eruption of Mount
Vesuvius by Moonlight 4 4 0
_Brown._ 26 A Landscape unfinished 1 1 0
_in._ 27 View of an Eruption of Mount Vesuvius
by Moonlight, with a View of the Bay
of Naples 18 18 0
_Tate, in._ 28 A Landscape, and Figures with a tilted
Cart; a View of Matlock High Tor
in the Distance--very rich and
glowing Effect 51 9 0
_Borrow._ 29 Portrait of a Beggarman 6 0 0
_Mr. Cade, in._ 30 A Landscape with a Monumental Ruin by
Moonlight 14 3 6
_Tate._ 31 A Landscape, Sunset 10 10 0
_Mr. Cade, in._ 32 A pleasing View of a Lake by
Moonlight 9 19 6
_Goulding._ 33 An Italian, rocky Landscape and
Figures 10 10 0
_Borrow._ 34 An Eruption of Vesuvius by Moonlight,
viewed through the Fog--singularly
fine Effect 16 16 0
_Heath._ 35 A View on the Lakes in Westmoreland 16 16 0
_Maria Wright,_
_in._ 36 A Ditto 15 15 0
_Rawlinson._ 37 Virgil’s Tomb--a pleasing, high
finished picture 17 6 6
_Mr. Cade, in._ 38 A mountainous and woody Landscape, a
View in the Neighbourhood of
Matlock 20 9 6
_Jennings._ 39 A small Italian Landscape, after
Wilson 21 10 6
_Jo. Wright, in._ 40 A Boy and Girl with a Blown Bladder:
the Countenances full of lively
Expression, and the Whole
delicately and highly finished 40 19 0
_Borrow._ 41 A Landscape viewed through a Cavern
by Moonlight 26 5 0
_Sters._ 42 A View of Ulleswater Lake and
Skiddaw 21 0 0
_Vernon._ 43 An upright View in the Convent of the
Latomie at Syracuse 16 5 6
_H. Wright._ 44 A Rocky Landscape, with a River by
Moonlight 47 5 0
_Smith, M.P._ 45 A Mountainous Landscape in the
Neighbourhood of the Lakes 9 19 6
_Tate, in._ 46 A Landscape with a Rainbow, View near
Chesterfield in Derbyshire 59 17 0
_Borrow._ 47 The Cascade of Terni, near Tivoli 40 19 0
_Poole & Tate._ 48 A Pair of elegant Views of the Lake
of Albano, with the Castel
Gandolfo, and the companion the
Lake of Nemi 63 0 0
_in._ 49 Sterne’s Maria, an elegant Figure
delicately painted 38 17 0
_Borrow._ 50 A Landscape, View of the Lake of
Albano, a beautiful warm Scene 53 11 0
_in._ 51 Romeo and Juliet in the Sepulchre, a
spirited Composition; the Interest
considerably heightened by the
Shadow of Figures approaching the
Tomb, capital 47 5 0
_Tate._ 52 View of a Cottage in Needwood Forest 63 0 0
_in._ 53 William and Margaret, from the
popular Ballad, capital 39 18 0
_Borrow._ 54 The Colosseo at Rome with Figures, a
highly finished View of this grand
and interesting Monument of
Antiquity 74 11 0
_Borrow._ 55 A View of Ditto by Moonlight, with a
Figure of a Friar at his evening
Devotion to the Virgin 85 1 0
_in._ 56 A philosopher in his Study by
Lamplight--a highly finished and
brilliant coloured Picture 19 19 0
_Carr for 57 A large and romantic View of the Head
Arkwright._ of Ullswater Lake from Lyson’s
Tower in Graystoc Park, the Seat of
the Duke of Norfolk 315 0 0
_in._ 58 The Allegory of the Old Man and
Death in a picturesque Landscape,
a River Scene with Gothic Ruins--a
very correct Knowledge of Anatomy
is displayed in the Figure of Death;
the Alarm of the old Peasant is
finely expressed, and the Lights are
throughout the Picture uncommonly
brilliant 51 9 0
_in._ 59 Lusignan in prison--The interior
finely illumined, capital 60 18 0
_Smith for 60 A small Prison Scene, with a single
Wakefield._ Figure 31 10 0
_Borrow._ 61 A Ditto 17 17 0
_in._ 62 The Alchymist in his Elaboratory with
Assistants. This admirable
Performance presents a happy Display
of the Artist’s Talents. The Effect
of Light issuing from the Sand-heat,
and reflected from the Retort and
surrounding Implements is contrived
with surprising Effect, amounting
to perfect Illusion--truly capital 80 17 0
_Borrow._ 63 The Hermit, companion to the preceding,
capital 70 17 0
_Borrow._ 64 THE INDIAN WIDOW. This elegant
painting is replete with poetical
Beauties: the Contest of the Day is
over, but the War is still waged
among the Elements, and a Volcano
on the Right adds to the Turbulence
of the Scene. The Apathy of
excessive Grief is conspicuous in
the distressed Female, who is thus
admirably contrasted with the
agitated Objects of the Back
Ground 73 10 0
_in._ 65 A grand ERUPTION of VESUVIUS, seen
across the Bay by Moonlight--
This magnificent Scene so often
attempted by the Pencils of various
Masters, has surely, never been
expressed with more Grandeur than in
this Effort of Mr. Wright--the Effect
is awful beyond Description--Earth,
Air and Water appear as but one
Element. It is thus that real Genius
can manage Nature at its Will; and the
Artist who transfers her to the Canvas
with so much Truth, kindles a Light,
which will ever be reflected with
Lustre upon his own Name 304 10 0
-----------
£2075 3 0
F I N I S.
J. Smeeton, Printer, 148, St. Martin’s Lane.
Mr. J. Holland, of Ford Hall, one of Wright’s executors, attended the
sale at Christie’s, and on his return wrote the following quaint letter
to Dr. Wright, the artist’s brother:--
“Ford, Aug^t 11^{th} 1801.
“DEAR SIR,
“On the 14^{th} July & at 4 o’clock in the morning, M^{rs.}
Holland and myself passed through Derby on our return from
full ten weeks busling in noisy London. While the chaise was
preparing at Derby, I could not forbear viewing the outside
of your habitation, and wishing that the hour had been more
seasonable that I might have seen how you all would have
admired the Country Squire returned, and that you in your turn
might have had an opportunity to have discovered the vast
improvements I had made in Town manners, &c., &c. I had also
with me your Brother’s drawings from Michael Angelo, which I
wanted much to have left with you. They are, however, very
safe here. I was not able to forward the disposal of them,
tho’ I showed them to several artists, who commended them
very highly. They were all of opinion that they should have
been sold with the pictures. Do you remember Dr. Bates, who
many years ago lived in your Town, and removed from thence
to Aylesbury. Having been a long time in Rome, he knew the
subjects perfectly, and thought them very fine studies. I want
much to come to Derby, but cannot say when at present. I have
very fine impressions both of Sir Richd. Arkwright and the
‘Tempest,’ which I trust to convey to those they are intended
for in due time. I can say with my whole heart, that there was
not a landscape in the Exhibition that could be compared to
what used to be the production of your Brother’s pencil. But
this I thought ill-manners to advance in London. The artists,
indeed, I must say, whom I conversed with, were by no means
niggardly in their commendations of M^{r.} Wright’s works.
There were at the Exhibition some fine coloured drawings,
particularly by Turner, who appears to be a very rising
genius. Sir W. Beechy, Hopner, & Lawrence seem all three
pretty near an equality. I shall leave all my rare anecdotes
till I meet the worthy circle, and then you shall be told the
wonders & no wonders that occurred to the Derbyshire man’s
visit to London after 33 years’ absence. My kind regards and
wishes to you and yours, and also at Spondon. The accounts,
&c., shall come, when the bearer will be yours sincerely,
“J. HOLLAND.”
It will be noticed that the pictures were nearly all bought by private
persons, and not by dealers; also that several pictures were “bought
in” at the sale at Christie’s in 1801, which were afterwards sold in
Derby, in 1810, at considerably enhanced prices. The following is a
copy of the catalogue, the original being in the Mayer Collection:--
NOTE.--I am greatly indebted to Mr. Mayer, of
Liverpool, for kindly allowing me the use of his collection of
letters relating to Wright.
[Illustration: catalogue]
CATALOGUE OF
THE GENUINE COLLECTION OF
_PICTURES_,
Being a Selection of the most CAPITAL PERFORMANCES,
of that esteemed Artist,
Mr. JOSEPH WRIGHT, of DERBY, _deceased_.
_COMPRISING_
The Alchymist;--The Old Man and Death;--A Philosopher
in his Study, by lamp-light;--and
_A capital View of an Eruption of Vesuvius_:
Besides several other interesting Subjects;
_Which will be Sold by Auction_,
BY MR. SHAW,
AT THE TOWN HALL, IN DERBY,
_On THURSDAY the 11th day of October, 1810_,
(The Sale to commence immediately after the Morning’s Musical
Performance.)[49]
May be viewed at the Town Hall, from Monday the 8th October, until
twelve
o’clock on Thursday the 11th of October. Admission, One Shilling,
to be given to the Infirmary.
Conditions of Sale.
_The highest bidder to be the purchaser; should any dispute arise, the
lot to be put up again._
_The purchaser to pay immediately the auction duty, in addition to the
purchase money. The Pictures to be at the purchaser’s risk immediately
on the fall of the hammer, and taken away at his expence._
_Lastly.--In case of any purchasers neglecting to fulfil their
conditions, the lots to be resold, and the deficiency upon such resale
(should any arise,) and all expences thereon, to be borne and paid by
the defaulter of the present sale._
THURSDAY 11th OCTOBER, 1810.
PICTURES.
PRICES SOLD
FOR
PURCHASERS.
£ s. d. _Lots._
-- 1 A Hilly Landscape, with a slated Barn; 1 foot
8 by 1 foot 4 inches. Unsold.
23 2 0 2 View of an Eruption of Mount Vesuvius by Mr. Snowden,
Moon-light, with a view of the Bay of Spondon.
Naples; 2 feet 7 by 2 feet 1 inch.
43 1 0 3 A Philosopher in his Study by Lamp-light, Mr. Tate,
a highly finished and brilliant coloured Liverpool.
Picture; 4 feet 2 by 3 feet 4 inches,
(upright.)
105 0 0 4 Lusignan in Prison; the interior finely Mr. Chappell,
illumined; _capital_; 4 feet 2 by 3 Arnold.
feet 4 inches.
84 0 0 5 The Allegory of the Old Man and Death, in Sir R. Wilmot,
a picturesque Landscape; a River scene Chaddesden.
with Gothic Ruins.--A very correct
knowledge of Anatomy is displayed in the
Figure of Death; the Alarm of the old
Peasant is finely expressed, and the
Lights throughout the Picture are
uncommonly brilliant; 4 feet 2 by 3 feet
4 inches.
105 0 0 6 William and Margaret, from the popular Miss Wright,
Ballad; _capital_; 4 feet 9 by 4 feet Spondon.
1 inch.
-- 7 Romeo and Juliet in the Sepulchre, a Unsold.
spirited Composition; the interest
considerably heightened by the shadows
of Figures approaching the Tomb; _capital_;
7 feet 11 by 5 feet 11 inches.
210 0 0 8 The Alchymist in his Elaboratory with Col. Wilson,
Assistance.--This admirable performance Wooton
presents a happy display of the Artist’s Lodge.
talents; the effect of Light issuing from
the sand heat, and reflected from the retort
and surrounding implements, is contrived with
surprising effect, amounting to perfect
illusion; _truly capital_, 4 feet 2 by 3 feet
4 inches; (upright.)
-- 9 A grand Eruption of Vesuvius, seen across the Unsold.
Bay of Naples, by Moon-light.--This
magnificent scene so often attempted by the
pencils of various Masters, has surely never
been expressed with more grandeur than in
this Effort of Mr. Wright.--The effect is
awful beyond description; Earth, Air and
Water appear as but one Element. It is thus
that real genius can manage Nature at its
will; and the Artist who transfers her to the
canvas with so much truth, kindles a light,
which will ever be reflected with lustre upon
his own Name; 5 feet 11 by 4 feet 1 inch.
15 15 0 10 Portrait of a Lady, (unclaimed.) Mr. Bateman,
Foston.
3 3 0 11 Ditto of a Gentleman, (unclaimed.) Mr. Sewell,
Leicester.
_N. B. These Paintings have not been copied._
Catalogues may be had of Mr. Shaw, Mr. Mosley, and at the principal
Inns in Derby.
(_J. Drewry, Printer, Derby._)
“Matlock Old Bath, Sep. 3^{rd} 1797.
“TO MR. WRIGHT, SURGEON, IRONGATE, DERBY.
“SIR,
“On passing through Derby, on Thursday last, I was on the
point of sending a servant to your brother’s, for the purpose
of making enquiries concerning him (meaning to go afterwards
myself, if his health admitted), when I heard with much
concern of his death. I feel sincere regret for a friend whom
I had long known and valued highly. Mrs. Gisborne & myself, on
our return through Derby yesterday, would have been glad to
send our enquiries to Mr. Wright’s, but I was doubtful whether
it might not then be premature to do so. I will therefore
trouble you to express, at a proper opportunity, to Mrs. Cade
& the rest of the family, our concern for their loss, and our
sincere wishes for their health.
“I am, Sir,
“Your faithful & obedient servant,
“THOS. GISBORNE.”
With these notices of the death of Wright, and the subsequent sale of
his pictures, my task is ended.
As the materials at my command have enabled me, I have striven to
present a faithful record of his artistic and private life. As
an artist, his genius was recognised in his own day; and it is
satisfactory to know that his industrious pencil provided an ample
income, and enabled him to realise a very sufficient competence for the
years when age and infirmity grew upon him. But there were drawbacks
to his attainment of greater fame and honours. He was a man of great
sensitiveness, and of strong domestic feelings and habits. His retiring
disposition, and the depressing maladies from which he suffered during
many years of his life, indisposed him both mentally and physically
for a residence in London, where an active life would have opened
out to him more extended patronage and consequent advancement in his
profession. As a man, the perusal of much private correspondence in
addition to that here published, has led me to form a high estimate of
his character. Loving in his family relationships, he was a faithful
and generous friend, and of large sympathies.
His private life reflects as great honour on his name, as do his works
on his artistic repute. The latter his own hand has imperishably handed
down to us, and his memory may well be cherished as one who has shed
undying lustre on his native town.
F I N I S.
APPENDIX.
The following interesting Memoranda are taken from Wright’s MS. Book:--
“Bessy Fritch, at the Green Dragon, a pretty little girl of
the delicate kind.”
“Nancy Nudal, in the Full Street, a pretty little girl.”
“Nancy Mellers, upon the Nun’s Green, against Haslam’s, a
pretty middle-sized girl.”
“Jno. Fletcher, of Osmaston, an old bald-headed man.”
It is very probable that Fletcher sat to Wright for the six
studies of an old man’s head which he painted, five of which
were exhibited in the Derby Art Gallery in 1883.
“Paid for Lottery Ticket, No. 26,815, £13 19. 0, half of which
is for More, £6 19. 6--due to More on this account, £1. 0. 6.
The Lottery Ticket came up a prize of £20, for which I got
£19. 14. 0, half of which is More’s, £9. 17. 0.”
“Paid for lottery ticket, No. 36,123. £15. 1. 0., half of
which is for More, £7. 10. 6.”
SUBJECTS FOR NIGHT PIECES.
“A BLACKSMITH’S SHOP.--Two men forming a bar of iron
into a horse shoe, from whence the light must proceed. An
idle fellow may stand by the anvil in a time-killing posture,
his hands in his bosom, or yawning with his hands stretched
upwards, a little twisting of the body. Horse shoes hanging
upon ye walls, and other necessary things faintly seen, being
remote from the light.
“Out of this room shall be seen another, in which a ffarrier
may be shoeing a horse by the light of a candle. The horse
must be sadled, and a traveller standing by. The servant
may appear with hys horse in his hand, on wh. may be a
portmanteau. This will be an indication of an accident having
happen’d, and shew some reason for shoeing the horse by
candle-light. The moon may appear, and illumine some part of
the horses, if necessary.”
The size of a Kit-cat frame is 3ft. ¼″ × 2ft. 4″
„ a ¾ is 2ft. 6″ × 2ft. 1″
„ an half-length is 4ft. 2″ × 3ft. 4″
For a small whole length the frame should be cut 10 inches
from ye bottom.
A full-length straining frame, 7ft. 10″ × 4ft. 10″
A large full-length 8ft. -- × 5ft. --
From the same MS. book we learn that on one occasion Wright cleaned and
restored several paintings for Lord Harrington. The account runs thus:--
FOR LORD HARRINGTON.
Went to Elvaston three times, one of wh. was there a whole
day--
Cleaning a full-length picture 2. 2. 0
A new straining frame hung to the picture of King
Charles 2. 6
Lining, cleaning, & repairing several damaged parts 1. 10. 0
Cleaning & repairing 2 Landskips 12. 0
Cleaning four small pictures, retouching them 10. 0
Cleaning do. two pictures of Venus & Cupid 1. 10. 0
Cleaning & retouching an historical picture of Paul
Veronese. 10. 0
Four Large Historical Pictures clean’d, repaired &
varnish 2. 2. 0
Other interesting items are:--
Chairman 2/6
Shoe buckles 10d.
Paid for letter 10½d.
„ 7½d.
„ 4½d.
The following prices, etc., are copied from a priced catalogue of the
sale of the effects of John Leigh Philips, Esq., sold at Manchester in
October, 1814, and are useful in identifying sketches, etc., not named
in the List of Pictures:--
41 Wright, of Derby.--Four studies, taken on the spot in £1 10 0
Italy
42 „ Three: A study for the figure in
the picture of the Dead Ass, a
fragment in Indian ink, and a
(_Mr. Meynell._) ditto of Walls, in colours fine £2 7 0
44 „ Six drawings from Antiques, made on
the spot, in outline pen £3 13 6
45 „ Two: A Ruin and a Landscape, with
figures in Indian ink £2 0 0
46 „ Three: Interior of a Cabin, Hero &
Leander, & Dog £1 1 0
47 „ Two: Vesuvius and the Interior of a
Church £1 2 0
48 „ Two: View of a Ruin in Rome, Indian
ink, and a ditto in colours;
capital £3 0 0
49 „ Four: Three Studies by Wright, and
a Landscape with figures by
Wilson £3 10 0
50 „ Two Cavern Scenes on the Shores of
Italy. Fine and highly-finished
drawings made on the spot, and
are the originals from which the
two celebrated pictures in the
collection of the late Wm.
(_Mr. Hardman._) Hardman, Esq., were painted £10 10 0
51 „ One: Portrait of himself, in a
fancy dress; capital £4 4 0
Wright’s Drawings, £32 17 6.
OIL PAINTINGS.
13 Wright, of Derby.--A Landscape with a Waterfall. A
spirited representation of a
(_Leeming._) stormy effect £26 15 6
18 „ The Lake of Albano. Spirited
sketch £18 18 0
19 „ The Old Peasant Bewailing the
(_Bateman._) Death of his Ass. From Sterne £34 13 0
21 „ A Cavern Scene, upright £16 5 6
25 „ Neptune’s Grotto, near Tivoli. A
very highly-finished and beautiful
picture of a favourite scene from
(_Mr. E. Flack._) nature £24 3 0
26 „ An Eruption of Vesuvius, destroying
the vineyards. Presumed by Mr.
Wright to be the best picture he
(_H. & A. Wright._) painted of the subject £63 0 0
27 „ The Lighthouse on Fire. A beautiful
and carefully-finished picture,
full of harmonious effect of the
(_Mr. Pares._) union of the moon and fire-light £36 15 0
28 „ A View of the Bay of Naples, from
Pausilipo, with Vesuvius in the
distance. Comp. to last lot, of a
sweet sunny effect, and highly
(_Ablet._) finished £45 3 0
29 „ Rocks and Trees. A very spirited and
(_H. & A. Wright._) clever study £30 9 0
30 „ A Cavern Scene, with a Bridge.
Painted with all that close
delineation of the effects of
nature, for which this master is
(_H. & A. Wright._) so justly celebrated £42 0 0
31 „ The Bridge and Waterfall at Rydal, in
Westmoreland. A charming scene
represented with great success. The
stones seen at the bottom of the
water give an effect to the picture
(_H. Wright_) at once curious and natural £48 6 0
33 „ The Dead Soldier. This acknowledged
_chef-d’œuvre_ of this admired
master, uniting great knowledge of
grouping, excellent drawing, and
correct colouring, with a fine
feeling of sentiment, decidedly
proves the assertion of Mr. Fuzeli,
in his Biographical Notice of Mr.
Wright, that “he once eminently
(_Gould._) succeeded in the pathetic” £315 0 0
Memd., 15th Sep., 1787.--Remains to be paid to me by Mr.
John Milnes, on account of the picture of Gibraltar, two
hundred guineas, and by right he ought to pay the Int. of that
money from the time he has withheld the commission from me
to replace two other pictures in the room of the two he has
of Vesuvius & the Girandolo, agreeable to his own letters.
He also owes me twenty pounds for my journey to Wakefield,
according to his own agreement.
J. WRIGHT.
LIST OF PORTRAITS.
SITTERS AT NEWARK.
Mr. Hall.
Mrs. Hall.
Miss Hall.
Mrs. Sikes.
Mrs. Gosbal.
Mrs. Rasdale.
Mr. Rasdale.
Mr. W. Rasdale.
Mrs. W. Rasdale.
Old Mrs. Rasdale.
Mr. Stow.
Mrs. Stow.
Mr. St. Stow.
Mrs. Hanway.
Miss Pockleton.
Mr. R. Pockleton.
Mr. J. Pockleton.
Ld. Robt. Sutton.
Mr. Darwin.
Miss Darwin.
SITTERS AT LINCOLN (1760).
Miss Craycroft.
Miss Molly Craycroft.
Miss Chadwick.
Miss Peart.
Miss Molly Peart.
Miss Nancy Peart.
Miss Nelly Peart.
Mr. Wills.
Miss Bromhead.
Miss Monk.
Mr. Monk.
Mrs. Monk.
Governor Thompson.
Master Wilson.
Miss Wilson.
Mrs. Nevil.
Miss Nevil.
Miss Drewry.
Master Drewry.
SITTERS AT BOSTON.
Captain Blunt.
Miss Hurst.
Mr. Thompson.
Mrs. Thompson.
Mr. Fydell.
Mrs. Fydell.
Mr. Lynton.
Mr. Willby.
Miss Ayre.
Mr. Ishmay.
SITTERS AT RETFORD (1760).
Lynn Simpson, Esq.
Mrs. Simpson.
Miss Simpson.
Mr. Mason.
Mrs. Mason.
Mrs. G. Mason.
Capt. Kirk.
Mrs. Sutton.
Mrs. Absonor.
Mr. Judson.
Mr. Sutton.
Miss Inwood.
SITTERS AT DONCASTER (1760).
Mr. Pigott.
Mrs. Pigott.
Mr. Brooks.
SITTERS AT THORN (1760).
Mr. Ellison.
Mrs. Ellison.
Mr. & Mrs. Ellison.
Mr. Foster.
Mrs. Foster.
SITTERS AT ECKINGTON (1760).
Mrs. Carver.
Miss Carver.
Miss B. Carver.
Mr. Carver.
Mr. Peachall.
SITTERS FROM FEB. 1, 1760.
£ s. d.
Mr. & Mrs. Nowell, 3 qrs. 12 12 0
Miss Clarke, 3 qrs. 6 6 0
Master Simeon Harvey Wilmot 6 6 0
Copy of Mrs. Lumb, sml 3 qrs. 2 2 0
Mrs. Monk, ½ length 12 12 0
Mr. Judson, 3 qrs. 6 6 0
Mr. Sutton, kit-cat 7 7 0
Mr. Pigott, ½ length 12 12 0
2 Master Rastall’s 16 16 0
Mrs. Pigott, ½ length 12 12 0
Mr. Brooks, ½ length 12 12 0
Mr. Ellison, ½ length 12 12 0
Mrs. Ellison, ½ length 12 12 0
Master & Miss Ellison 6 6 0
Mr. Foster, 3 qrs. 6 6 0
Mrs. Foster, 3 qrs. 6 6 0
Miss Inwood 6 6 0
Mrs. Carver, ½ length } { 12 12 0
Miss Carver, ½ length } For Dr. Griffith { 12 12 0
Miss B. Carver, ½ length } { 12 12 0
Mr. Carver, ½ length } { 12 12 0
Mr. Peachall, 3 qrs. 6 6 0
Master & Miss Drewry 14 14 0
Miss Fenton, 3 qrs. 6 6 0
Mrs. Chase, 3 qrs. 6 6 0
Mr. C. Hope, 3 qrs. 6 6 0
Mr. Nowel, ½ length 12 12 0
Mrs. Fowler, 3 qrs. 6 6 0
Mr. Bainbrigge, ½ length 12 12 0
Mrs. Bainbrigge ditto 12 12 0
Mrs. C. Hope, kit-cat 9 9 0
Captn. Lushington, ½ length 12 12 0
Mr. Chase, 3 qrs. 6 6 0
Mrs. Heath, k. c. 9 9 0
Mrs. Tead, k. c. 9 9 0
Mr. Wilde, 3 qrs. 6 6 0
Mrs. Wilde, 3 qrs. 6 6 0
Mr. Wm. Chase & Mrs. Chase, a conversation 25 4 0
Mr. Pickering, 3 qrs. 6 6 0
Mr. Rolleston, ½ l. 12 12 0
Copy of Needham 5 5 0
A 3 qrs. of old Borao for Mr. Beresford 6 6 0
Mr. Stenton, 3 qrs. 6 6 0
Mrs. Stenton, 3 qrs. 6 6 0
Mr. Tipson, 3 qrs. 6 6 0
Mrs. Tipson, 3 qrs. 6 6 0
Mrs. Lindigton, 3 qrs. 6 6 0
Mr. Dixon, 3 qrs. 6 6 0
Mrs. Dixon, 3 qrs. 6 6 0
Copy of Mr. Millers 2 2 0
Miss Swan, 3 qrs. 6 6 0
Mr. Mundy, ½ length 12 12 0
Family picture of Mr., Mrs., & Miss Shuttleworth 42 0 0
Mr. Peckham, ½ length 12 12 0
Mr. Heath, ½ l. 12 12 0
Miss Warren, whole length 16 16 0
Mr. Borrow, half l. 12 12 0
Mrs. Borrow, half l. 12 12 0
Mr. Gwin, half l. 12 12 0
Mrs. Wilmot, ½ l. 12 12 0
Mr. Bingham, 3 qrs. 6 6 0
Mrs. Bennet, 3 qrs. 6 6 0
Mr. Leacroft, ½ l. 12 12 0
Mr. Barrow, ½ l. 12 12 0
Mr. Burdett 12 12 0
Mr. Boothby 6 6 0
Mr. Beresford 6 6 0
Mr. Gurney 6 6 0
Full length of Master Fallows 16 16 0
For painting a draper to a whole length picture
for Lord Vernon 10 10 0
SITTERS AT MACCLESFIELD.
£ s. d.
Mr. Stafford, Miss Stafford 10 10 0
SITTERS AT DERBY.
£ s. d.
Miss Bateman 3 3 0
Mr. Bainbrigge 6 6 0
Mrs. Bainbrigge 6 6 0
Master Wilmot 3 3 0
Miss Wilmot 3 3 0
Master C. Wilmot 3 3 0
Master R. Wilmot 3 3 0
Master S. Wilmot 3 3 0
Master Harvey Wilmot 3 3 0
Mr. Fisher 6 6 0
Miss Wollot 6 6 0
Mr. Baker 6 6 0
Mrs. Harpur 6 6 0
Mr. Melland 6 6 0
Master Mundy 6 6 0
Miss Mundy 6 6 0
Mr. Leacroft 6 6 0
Mr. Balguy 6 6 0
Mrs. Balguy 6 6 0
Miss Crompton 6 6 0
Mr. Copestake 6 6 0
Miss Copestake 6 6 0
Miss Taylor 6 6 0
Miss F. Taylor 6 6 0
Parson Allen 6 6 0
Miss Clarke 6 6 0
Mr. Nowel 6 6 0
Mrs. Nowell 6 6 0
E. Sales 2 2 0
Miss Dalby 6 6 0
Master Curzon 3 3 0
Miss Curzon 3 3 0
Master Penn Curzon 4 4 0
Master P. Curzon 4 4 0
Mr. A. Curzon 6 6 0
Miss Hanmer 6 6 0
Mrs. Hanmer 6 6 0
Copy of Mr. Hamner 6 6 0
The Parrot 3 3 0
Master Challener 8 8 0
Miss Challener 8 8 0
Mrs. Degg 6 6 0
Mr. Lyggon 6 6 0
Mrs. Lyggon 6 6 0
Master Lyggon 6 6 0
Miss Lyggon 6 6 0
Copy of Lady Curzon 6 6 0
2 of Sir Nat Curzon 12 12 0
Capt. Bailey 6 6 0
Capt. Heathcote 6 6 0
Mr. Low 3 3 0
Mr. Wright 6 6 0
Mrs. Wright 6 6 0
Capt. Sherring 6 6 0
Miss Storer 4 4 0
Copy of Mr. Lumb 2 2 0
Miss Cockin 6 6 0
Old Mr. Fox 3 3 0
Mr. Nowell 12 12 0
Miss Fenton 6 6 0
Mrs. Chase 6 6 0
Mr. C. Hope 9 9 0
Mr. Bainbrigge 12 12 0
Mrs. Bainbrigge 12 12 0
Miss F. Broad 6 6 0
Capt. Lushington 12 12 0
Mrs. Hope 9 9 0
Mr. Chase 6 6 0
Mrs. Heath 9 9 0
Mr. Tead 9 9 0
Mr. Wilde 6 6 0
Mrs. Wilde 6 6 0
Mr. Chase 12 12 0
Mrs. Chase 12 12 0
Mr. Pickering 6 6 0
Mrs. Ligdinton 6 6 0
Mr. Dixon 6 6 0
Mrs. Dixon 6 6 0
Miss Swan 6 6 0
Mr. Mundy 12 12 0
Mr. Shuttleworth 12 12 0
Mrs. Shuttleworth 12 12 0
Miss Shuttleworth 12 12 0
SITTERS AT LIVERPOOL, 1769.
£ s. d.
Mr. Warfe 10 10 0
Mr. Atherton 10 10 0
Mr. & Mrs. Smythe 21 0 0
Mr. & Mrs. Leigh 21 0 0
Mrs. Hardman 10 10 0
Two Miss Staffords 21 0 0
Mr. & Mrs. Hisbeth 21 0 0
Mrs. & Miss Parr 21 0 0
Mr. & Mrs. Park 21 0 0
Miss Leice 10 10 0
Mr. & Miss Knight 42 0 0
Master Ashton[50] 31 10 0
Capt. & Mrs. Boyd 21 0 0
Mr. Stannyforth 15 15 0
Mr. & Mrs. Gore 21 0 0
Mr. Chas. Coke 10 10 0
Mr. Clarke 10 10 0
Mr. Southward 10 10 0
Copy of Mrs. Tarlton 8 8 0
Mr. Stafford 10 10 0
Mrs. B. Tatton 10 10 0
Mrs. Lankford 10 10 0
Mr. Sam Lankford 10 10 0
Mr. Rowe 10 10 0
Mr. Wm. Stafford 10 10 0
SITTERS AT DERBY.
£ s. d.
Mr. & Mrs. Gisborne 21 0 0
Mr. & Mrs. Hurt 42 0 0
Mr. Holding Shuttleworth 10 10 0
Capt. French 10 10 0
Miss Miller Mundy 10 10 0
Mrs. Forrester 10 10 0
Mr. Crompton 10 10 0
Mrs. Crompton 10 10 0
Mr. Bakewell 21 0 0
Mr. & Mrs. Coltman--a conversation 63 0 0
Mrs. Pole & Child 63 0 0
Col. Pole 21 0 0
Mr. Day, ½ length[51] 42 0 0
Mr. Jno. Heath 21 0 0
Capt. Bathurst 10 10 0
Col. Heathcote--small full-length 31 10 0
Capt. Milnes--small full-length 31 10 0
Copy of Lady Rubens 12 12 0
Copy of Mr. Boothby 12 12 0
Copy of a Gentleman 6 6 0
A 3 qrs. of Mr. Thos. Gisborne (1777) 12 12 0
A small head of the Rev. Mr. Bakewell 9 9 0
Ditto of Dr. Berridge 8 8 0
A conversation piece of two of Mr. Pickford’s
children 63 0 0
Master Charles Hope 8 8 0
Miss Harriet Hope 8 8 0
Miss Warren, small 10 10 0
Mr. Latissiere 12 12 0
Mrs. Berridge, small oval 8 8 0
Capt. Coke of the Blues 12 12 0
Parker Coke, Esq.
Mr. Sennet’s 3 children[52] 73 10 0
A large head of Jno. Stovely 18 18 0
A ¾ of Mrs. Hodges 12 12 0
A ¾ of F. Brome, Esqre. 12 12 0
Mr. Fletcher 12 12 0
Mrs. Lander 12 12 0
Old John at the King’s Head--Raffled for 12 12 0
Dr. Harrison[52] 12 12 0
A head of Mrs. Mortimer 12 12 0
Mr. Ward 12 12 0
A large picture of Mr. Boothby 50 8 0
A small head of old Stovely 12 12 0
A Conversation Picture of D. P. Coke. The Rev.
Mr. Dare Coke & his Lady 75 12 0
A Kit-cat of old John Stovely for Mr. Holland 18 18 0
Mrs. More 12 12 0
Two Master Mundys, full-lengths 73 10 0
Mr. Whitehurst, Kit-cat[53] 18 18 0
Mr. Seward 12 12 0
Miss Seward 15 15 0
Mr. Inge 12 12 0
A ¾ Girl, with Doves 15 15 0
A copy of Mr. Bentley, Kit-cat 21 0 0
A copy of the late Mr. Parker, half-length 25 4 0
A half-length of Robt. Holding, Esq. 25 4 0
Copy of Mr. Crompton. 3 qrs., with a hand 14 14 0
A half-length of Miss Parker 25 4 0
A 3 qrs. of Mrs. Morewood, with a hand 15 15 0
Copy of Mrs. Crompton 12 12 0
Copy of ditto 12 12 0
Copy of Mr. Crompton 14 14 0
Half length copy of Mr. Wetham 25 4 0
A small oval of ditto 8 8 0
Small full-length of Mrs. Morewood 36 15 0
Ditto of Mr. Case 36 15 0
A small oval of Mr. Carleill 8 8 0
Two 3 qrs. copies of Dr. Berridge’s grandfather
and uncle 25 4 0
A small copy of Mrs. Morewood 15 15 0
Two 3 qrs. pictures of Mr. & Mrs. Fox 21 4 0
A head of Mr. Buxton 12 12 0
A copy of the late Mr. Pickering with a hand for
Mr. Thos. Gisborne 15 15 0
A 3 qrs. with a hand of Mr. Balguy 15 15 0
Ditto ditto 15 15 0
Miss Stamford 8 8 0
Miss L. Stamford 8 8 0
Mr. Hancock, 3 qrs. 12 12 0
Master Carver 8 8 0
Rev. Mr. Berridge 25 4 0
Mr. Chas. Denby 12 12 0
A conversation of Mr. Leaper’s children 84 0 0
A half-length of Mr. Jones 25 4 0
Mr. Rastall 15 15 0
Mr. Arkwright, ½ length 26 0 0
A full-length of Mrs. C. Hurt & her child 81 18 0
A full-length of Mr. Gell 52 10 0
A full-length of Lady Wilmot & her child “as a
Madonna” 78 18 0
A conversation picture of Mr. & Mrs. Gisborne 100 16 0
A small picture of Mr. Caldwell 8 8 0
A half-length of Mr. Strutt 25 4 0
A 3 qrs. of my nephew Rd. Wright
A 3 qrs. of Mr. Salmon for Mr. Flint 12 12 0
A 3 qrs. of Mr. Salmon for Sir Brooke Boothby 12 12 0
A head of Ld. Richard Cavendish 12 12 0
A head of Master C. Sales 10 10 0
Ditto of Mr. R. Sales 10 10 0
A 3 qrs. of Mrs. S. Crompton 12 12 0
Two full-lengths in one picture of Master
Thornhills 73 10 0
A 3 qrs. picture of Mr. Pole 12 12 0
A 3 qrs. „ of Mr. Ashby 12 12 0
A copy of Col. Hackart 12 12 0
A half-length of Mr. Abney 25 4 0
Ditto of Mrs. Abney 25 4 0
A conversation picture of 3 of their children
Half length of Mr. Pares 25 4 0
Ditto copy of Mr. Pares 25 4 0
3 qrs. of Mr. Jos. Crompton
A conversation of 3 of Mr. Wood’s children 84 0 0
3 qrs. of Mr. Wood 12 12 0
Ditto of Mrs. Wood 12 12 0
Mr. Burnham 12 12 0
Mrs. Burnham 12 12 0
Mrs. Holland 12 12 0
A half-length of Mr. Chadwick 25 4 0
A full-length of Sir R. Arkwright 52 10 0
A full-length of Mr. C. Hurt 52 10 0
A 3 qrs. copy of Sir R. Arkwright 12 12 0
A half-length of Mr. Strutt 25 4 0
A copy of Rosseau 12 12 0
A conversation of Mr. & Mrs. Arkwright & their
little girl, full-lengths 126 0 0
½ length of Mr. Milnes
A conversation picture of 3 of Mr. Arkwright’s
children 94 10 0
Ditto ditto 94 10 0
A 3 qrs. of Dr. Darwin, with a hand 15 15 0
A full-length of the late Mr. Oldknow 52 10 0
Ditto of Mr. Samuel Oldknow 52 10 0
A half-length copy of Mr. Pares 25 4 0
A head of the late Dr. Lynn Beridge 12 12 0
A copy of Col. Hackart 12 12 0
A head of Mr. Greatorex 12 12 0
Mrs. Greatorex, 3 qrs. 12 12 0
Mrs. Richard Bateman, with a hand 15 15 0
A full-length of Miss Sally Duesbury 31 10 0
A full-length of Master Bateman 31 10 0
A copy of Mr. Pares, ½ length 25 4 0
A 3 qrs. of Mrs. Bateman 16 16 0
Hugh Bateman, Esqre., 3 qrs., with a hand 16 16 0
Shevl. Pole, Esqre., 3 qrs., with a hand
Mrs. Pole, 3 qrs., with hands
Mrs. Briscoe, 3 qrs., with a hand
A copy of Dr. Darwin for Sir Brooke Boothby 15 15 0
A copy ditto Mr. Strutt 15 15 0
A full-length of Mr. Barker, of Bakewell 52 10 0
A copy of Mr. Strutt, with a hand 15 15 0
A 3 qrs. of Mr. Alderson 12 12 0
A copy of ditto 12 12 0
A full-length of Miss Bentley 31 10 0
For painting Mr. Cheslyn’s drapery 12 12 0
Two 3 qrs. pictures of Mr. and Mrs. Fox 21 4 0
_Brooke Boothby Junr. Esqre. Dr. to Joseph Wright Sep. 30th 1780._
£ s. d.
A view of the High Tor at Matlock, by Moonlight,
3 qrs. 31 10 0
Frame 2 2 0
A full-length of himself 50 8 0
Another view of Matlock Tor 31 10 0
Case for ditto 4/9 Frame for ditto 2 2 0
Altering Miss Boothby’s picture, and retouching
two small ones on pannel 2 2 0
Lady Whitmore’s 15 15 0
LIST OF LANDSCAPE, HISTORICAL, FIRE & MOONLIGHT PAINTINGS.
SUBJECT. PURCHASER. PRICE.
£ s. d.
Two views of Matlock 63 0 0
Two grottos by the sea side in the gulf
of Salerno Mr. Hodges 105 0 0
Vesuvius, for the Bp. Derry crossed
through 105 0 0
A view of Cromford Bridge, its companion
of Arkwright’s mills D. P. Coke 52 10 0
A large Vesuvius 200 0 0
A grotto in the gulf of Salernum, with the
figure of Julia (companion to that with
Banditti) Mr. Cockshutt 105 0 0
Virgil’s Tomb Mr. Cockshutt 63 0 0
A full-length of “Maria”[54] 84 0 0
A 3 qrs. picture of Matlock High Tor by
moonlight Mr. Boothby 31 10 0
Another of Matlock High Tor by moonlight ditto 31 10 0
Part of the Colliseum--Sunshine 52 10 0
Ditto, its companion--Moonlight 52 10 0
Grotto in the Gulf of Salernum, moonlight,
½ length Mr. Hardman, of
Manchester 84 0 0
Ditto, its companion--Sunset Ditto 52 10 0
A small picture of Carnarvon Castle, night 10 10 0
A large grotto in the gulf of Salernum,
moon rising Mr. Daulby 84 0 0
A small moonlight of a Lake Ditto 16 16 0
The lake of Nemi, sunset, 3 qrs. Its
companion, moonlight 63 0 0
Frames for ditto @ 2 gs. & ½ pr frame
A small oval of the Lake of Nemi, its
companion, with frames Dr. Beridge 23 2 0
One of the above size of Vesuvius 10 10 0
A small picture of the Girandolo Mr. Daulby 84 0 0
A grotto with Banditti Mr. Cockshutt 175 10 0
Sterne’s Captive[54] 105 0 0
A large Mount Vesuvius Sold to the
Empress (of
Russia) 300 0 0
The Minstrel (Edwin)[55] Mr. Milnes 84 0 0
Two Views of Matlock Mr. Emes 63 0 0
A large picture of the Girandolo--companion
to the Vesuvius which was sold to the
Empress of Russia 200 0 0
Virgil’s Tomb 63 0 0
Neptune’s Grotto Mr. Milnes 31 10 0
CANDLE-LIGHT PICTURES.
[_a_] The Orrery Ld. Ferrers 210 0 0
Boys with a bladder and its compn. Ld. Exeter 105 0 0
[_b_] The air pump Dr. Bates 200 0 0
[_c_] The Gladiator Dr. Bates
(on account) 40 0 0
[_d_] The Academy Lord Melbourne 105 0 0
[_e_] The Hermit 105 0 0
[_f_] The Blacksmith’s Shop Lord Melbourne 150 0 0
[_g_] Small Blacksmith’s Shop E. Parker 42 0 0
An old woman knitting, her husband
smoaking. Its companion, a girl
at her toilet Mr. Parker 31 10 0
[_h_] The Chymist 105 0 0
A Blacksmith’s shop Mr. Alexander 157 10 0
[_i_] The young Nobleman in his ancester’s
Tomb[56] Mr. Milnes 105 0 0
4 Candle-light pictures at 30 guineas ea Col. Pole 126 0 0
Mem: Recd. 25th Oct. 1772 of Col. Pole
twenty guineas in part of payment for the
picture of the boys with the bladder.
The Picture of the Iron Forge Lord
Palmerston 210 0 0
Mem: Not sent. Picture of a Captive King Prince of
Baaden 52 10 0
Picture of an iron forge viewed from Empress of
without Russia 136 0 0
Picture of Belshazzer at the feast when
the hand appeared writing on the wall
Picture of an earth stopper Lord ---- 52 10 0
A sunset of the Lake of Nemi 52 10 0
Virgil’s Tomb by moonlight 63 0 0
A distant View of the High Tor at Matlock
The Cascade at Terni, 3 qr. Given to my
friend Tate 31 10 0
A small picture of the Lake of Nemi,
sunset, and its companion, moonlight Robt. Holden,
Esqre 21 0 0
A large picture of Hero and Leander crossed
through 63 0 0
A large picture of Virgil’s Tomb 63 0 0
A large ditto of the cascade of Terni 73 0 0
A small picture of Virgil’s Tomb 21 0 0
A candle-light piece pd Dr. Bates
Galen pd Ditto
A girl reading a letter by candle-light 12 12 0
A small picture of a cottage on fire,
seen through a groupe of trees--sketch For my friend
Holland 10 10 0
A small picture of a view at Valatii, very
warm evening
A ferry over the river Tay at Dunkield, in
Scotland, moonlight 36 15 0
A Village on fire Mr. Lowe 36 15 0
A Lighthouse on fire in the Mediterranean,
sketch G. L. Philips 10 10 0
A small storm, sketch Ditto 10 10 0
A sketch of Mount Vesuvius, evening Ditto 10 10 0
An upright of a rocky scene wh a waterfall 10 10 0
A view in Italy--a warm sunset 10 10 0
A sketch of Vesuvius, morning 10 10 0
A view at Dunkeld, evening--companion to
the moonlight wh Tate sold to Mr. Wakefield 73 10 0
A small picture of a fire seen through a Rev. Holden
wood Shuttleworth 26 5 0
A near view of Mount Vesuvius 63 0 0
A view of the City of Florence--sun rising 52 10 0
A view in Scotland, half-length, moonlight for my friend
Tate 63 0 0
A storm--Antigonus pursued by a bear Mr. Henry
Philips 105 0 0
Two sketches of the Lakes of Albano and
Nemi Mr. Nixon 21 0 0
A small one on pannel of ye lake of Albano L. Philips 10 10 0
A cottage on fire Mr. Court,
Bristol 42 0 0
A cottage on fire Miss Linwood 15 15 0
Sketch of a Lighthouse in the
Mediterranean 10 10 0
The Spinster wh Collin singing her a ballad
(unfinished)
A Bridge seen thro’ a cavern on the coast of
Sorento--moonlight 31 10 0
A View of the Ponti Salario, half-length 52 10 0
A View in the Alps in the Dutchy of Milan, John Milnes,
half-length, noon Esqre 63 0 0
The companion ditto, morning John Milnes,
Esqre 63 0 0
A half-length landscape of a cottage scene
in Needwood Forest Mr. Milnes 63 0 0
A view of the lake of Como, in Italy, warm
sunset, on pannel
William and Margaret, framed 63 0 0
The cascade of Terni, framed 63 0 0
A large picture of the Dead Soldier 105 0 0
The old man and death 63 0 0
Lusignan in prison 52 10 0
A small prison 16 16 0
A sea shore seen thro’ an arch in ye rocks,
sunset Holland 12 12 0
Romeo & Juliet
The Storm in the Winter Tale 136 0 0
A cottage on fire 31 15 0
A view at the boat house near Matlock Town Mr. Denby 21 0 0
A boy blowing a bladder 31 10 0
A girl looking thro’ a bladder 31 10 0
The Lake of Albano, sunset, ½ length Mr. Milnes 63 0 0
Two girls, with a charcoal stick
Boy and girl, with a bladder
A small view at Almalfa 14 14 0
A sea shore seen through an arch in the given to
rock L. Philips
A small picture of Vesuvius 21 10 0
Its companion by the Lake of Geneva,
moonlight Ditto 21 10 0
A bit of the Ruins of the Colloseo, sunshine 21 0 0
A distant View of Vesuvius, from the shore
of Posilipo Mr. Walker 32 0 0
Ditto ditto ditto Mr. Poploe Birch,
Curzon Street,
May Fair 42 0 0
A boy and girl, with a bladder Mr. Hardman,
Manchester 52 10 0
A girl blowing a charcoal stick Mr. Daulby 42 0 0
A distant View of Vesuvius, from the Shore
of Posilipo, bigger than ½ length Mr. Edward
Mundy 84 0 0
A View of Cromford
An internal View of a Prison 23 2 0
A View of Vesuvius, from the Shore of
Posilipo Mr. Gisborne 42 0 0
Cicero’s Villa, in the Bay of Naples Mr. Smith 36 15 0
A large one of ditto--sun setting after
a shower Edward Mundy 84 0 0
A small picture of the View of Cromford
Bridge, moonlight Mr. Gisborne
A bit of the Ruins of the Coloseo--sunshine Mr. Macklin 16 16 0
A View of Vesuvius from the Shore of
Posilipo Mr. Macklin 42 0 0
Moonlight on the Coast of Tuscany in the
Mediterranean, Companion to the large
picture of Cicero’s Villa Mr. Jno. Milnes 63 0 0
A View of Cosimato, on pannel Honble. A.
Tompson 42 0 0
A Cottage, on fire Mr. Hardman 36 15 0
A picture of the Alps, on the side next Mr. Poploe
Italy, in the Duchy of Milan Birch 36 15 0
A View of Warwick Castle, moonlight Mr. Cutler 36 15 0
A distant View of Vesuvius, from the Shore
of Posilipo, the eruption Principal Mr. Arnold 31 10 0
The inside of a stable, near Tivoli Jno. Henderson,
Esqre. 21 0 0
A small picture of a Bridge, in Italy,
sunset, on pannel 31 10 0
A large picture of Prospero in his cell,
showing a visionary spectacle to
Ferdinand & Miranda--12 ft. ×
8 ft. 6 Pd. 315 0 0
A Circular picture, moonlight Mr. Birch 21 0 0
A small picture of a distant View of
Vesuvius, from ye Shore of Posilipo Mr. Daulby 31 10 0
A sepulchral monument at old
Capua--moonlight Lake of Nemi, sun rising 26 5 0
A small picture of Chee Tor
A 3 qrs. of the Lake of Albano, with the
Monte Jove, seen through the arch of an
acqueduct
A small picture of Cosimato Given to my
friend Tate
A picture of a distant view of Vesuvius,
from the Shore of Posilipo, painted on Sir Robt.
pannel Wilmot 42 0 0
Mecæna’s Villa, on ditto 42 0 0
Cicero’s Villa, on pannel 42 0 0
A Cottage on Fire Mr. Culter 36 15 0
A Companion Moonlight Mr. Bird,
Liverpool 31 10 0
A View of Borrow Dale, sunset 31 10 0
A small picture of Neptune’s Grotto 14 14 0
A small picture of the Lake of Albano,
sunset 26 5 0
View of the Boathouse, Matlock
A View of Vesuvius from the Shore of Edwd. Wilmot,
Posilipo Esqre 42 0 0
The close scene from Cozen’s Sir Robt.
Wilmot 31 10 0
The Sea Shore, moonlight Mr. Harvey 31 10 0
A small moonlight, without the moon
appearing Mr. Boothby 26 5 0
A morning View of the Ponte Salona Mr. Boothby 36 15 0
Its Companion, sunset of Tivoli
A View of Dovedale & its companion of
Cosimato Mr. Gisborne 36 15 0
A view of the Ponte Mola Sir Brooke
Boothby 31 10 0
Virgil’s Tomb, sun breaking thro’ a cloud.
Small picture 31 10 0
A Sunset, a bold sea shore, 3 qrs., from
Cozens Mr. Boothby 31 10 0
Two ovals of Dove Dale, with frames Mr. Boothby 42 0 0
A close scene, morning, from Cozens B. Boothby 31 10 0
A View in Dove Dale, morning ¾ qrs. E. Mundy, Esqre 31 10 0
Companion, in do., moonlight Do. 31 10 0
A small oval of Dovedale Mr. Parsons 14 14 0
An eruption of Vesuvius, from the Shore of
Posilipo, on panel 42 0 0
Two small pictures of the island of Caprea
Hero & Leander--Storm The Honble Thos.
Fitzmaurice 105 0 0
Its companion, moonlight Do. 105 0 0
Margaret & William 84 0 0
The Siege of Gibraltar Mr. Jno.
Milnes 420 0 0
An Indian Chief’s Widow 63 0 0
A Moonlight from Comus 84 0 0
A Wood Scene by moonlight, & frame Mr. Thompson 31 10 0
The Corinthian Maid 105 0 0
Penelope unravelling her web, candle-light Mr. Wedgwood 105 0 0
June 7, 1783. Two small landskips 21 0 0
A 3 qrs. picture of a Lake in Italy, moonlight 31 10 0
A small ditto of ditto by moonlight 21 10 0
Its companion, a Land Storm
A small moonlight on the coast of Naples
A 3qrs. of Neptune’s Grotto, with the Given to my friend
Sybil’s Temple, &c. Tate
A Moonlight, with an eruption of V., from
the shore of Posilipo Mr. Bacon 26 5 0
The Companion, sunset in the Bay of Salerno Sold to my
friend
Holland 18 18 0
A view of Amalfi, sunset 14 14 0
A sunset from Cozens 31 10 0
Recd. Sep. ’85 of Mr. Gisborne for two large
drawings of Moses 8 0 0
A boy with a candle 4 4 0
A boy blowing a bladder 4 4 0
A small picture of Borrowdale T. Tate 12 12 0
A village on fire 63 0 0
The Convent of Cosimato. Mem. not paid For Mrs. Hayley 26 5 0
Cottage on fire Mr. Cunningham 21 0 0
Ditto Mr. N. Philips 52 10 0
A small picture of Lodore 12 12 0
The Lake of Nemi--on panel
A smallish picture of Ullswater, sunset Mr. Hardman 42 0 0
A Ditto of Windermere with Langdale Pikes T. M. Tate 42 0 0
A Large picture of Ullswater 42 0 0
A smallish one of the little cascade at Sir
Mic-la-Flemings L. Philips 31 10 0
Picture of a bridge with the effect of a
rainbow Mr. N. Philips 52 10 0
Ditto ditto
Keswick lake wh Skiddaw in the distance
A view upon Ullswater, morning 36 15 0
Ditto Keswick Lake, sunset Norris 36 15 0
A small picture of a view by the sea side, Sold to my
sun rising friend Tate 12 12 0
A cottage on fire Norris 42 0 0
A View of the outlet of Whyburn Lake For my friend
Tate 42 0 0
PICTURES KNOWN TO HAVE BEEN PAINTED BY WRIGHT BUT NOT
ENTERED IN THE MS. LIST.
[57]Conversation piece. Three of Mr. Bradshaw’s
children with a pet lamb
Port. of Mr. Woodville full-length
„ Mrs. Woodville do.
„ Dr. Wilson half-length
„ Miss Macauley
A CATALOGUE OF PRINTS ENGRAVED AFTER PAINTINGS
BY JOSEPH WRIGHT, OF DERBY.
SUBJECT. STYLE. ENGRAVER.
1 Two Boys with a Bladder Aquatint. J. P. Burdett.
2 Master Bradshaw and two Miss
Bradshaws with a Pet Lamb[58] Mezzotint. Valentine
Green.
3 Count Miravan, a young nobleman of
Syria, who having extravagantly
lavished away his fortune, breaks
open the tomb of his ancestors,
expecting to find great treasure Ditto. Ditto.
4 A philosopher giving a Lecture on the
the Orrery.[59] The following names
are copied from the margin of a
print of the Orrery, written in the
year 1768, and are believed to be
the persons represented:--J. Wright,
Mr. Burdett taking notes, young
Cantrell, A. Winterman, Mr. G.
Snowden, Mr. Denby as the
philosopher Ditto. Ditto.
5 A Philosopher giving a Lecture on
the Air Pump, in which are
introduced portraits similar to
above[60] Ditto. Ditto.
6 “The Gladiator.” Mr. Wright in this
picture has introduced himself in
profile, and he and the other two
figures (Burdett and old John
Wilson of the Devonshire
Almshouses), are comparing the
drawing he has made with the
Statue Ditto. W. Pether.
7 Democritus found studying Anatomy Ditto. Ditto.
8 An Alchymist[59] Ditto. Ditto.
9 A Farrier’s Shop Ditto. Ditto.
10 Master Ashton (with Dog) Ditto. Ditto.
11 A Drawing Academy Ditto. Ditto.
12 A Drawing Academy, 8vo. Outline. Normand.
13 A Blacksmith’s Shop Mezzotint Richard
Earlom.
14 An Iron Forge Ditto. Ditto.
15 John Harrison, Esq., Surgeon, Derby Ditto. J. R. Smith.
16 Edwin, the Minstrel (portrait of
Thomas Haden, Esq.) Ditto. Ditto.
17 Ditto. Etching. F. Seymour
Haden.
18 Three Children of Walter Synnott,
Esq. (with Birdcage) Mezzotint. J. R. Smith.
19 William and Margaret, taken from an
Old Ballad Ditto. Ditto.
20 The Indian Widow Ditto. Ditto.
21 The Lady in Milton’s Comus Mezzotint. J. R. Smith.
22 Dr. Darwin, with pen in right hand.
(“An alteration in the Face and
Wig from the Original, and for
the worse”) Ditto. Ditto.
23 Ditto, with hands resting on a J. T.
polished table[61] Line. Wedgwood.
24 “The Captive,” from Sterne’s
Sentimental Journey Dotted. Ryder.
25 “The Captive,” from Sterne. Engraved
for Mr. Milnes, of Wakefield: who
destroyed the plate when twenty
impressions had been taken off Mezzotint. J. R. Smith.
26 Distant View of Vesuvius, from shore
of Posilipo Line. Wm. Byrne.
27 “The Dead Soldier” Line. J. Heath.
28 Ditto, same size as above, but a
much inferior print Mezzotint. W. Dickinson.
29 “The Dead Soldier,” small Line. Bovinet.
30 Prospero entertaining Ferdinand and
Miranda with Spectacle. From the
“Tempest.” For Boydell’s Line &
Shakspeare Gallery Stipple. Thew.
31 The Storm, Antigonus pursued by the
Bear. From the “Winter’s Tale.”
For Boydell’s Shakspeare Gallery Line. Middiman.
32 John Whitehurst, F.R.S., of Derby,
“an elegant Engraving, and very
like.” 8vo. in oval (another in
oval on a pedestal) Line. J. Hall.
33 Sir Richard Arkwright, Kt. Mezzotint. J. R. Smith.
34 Sir Richard Arkwright, Kt., small
(various) Line. A. R. Meyer &
others.
35 Dr. Wilson. (Drawn by T. Lawrence) J. & C.
Sherwin.
36 Miss Kitty Dressing. Published
February, 1781 Mezzotint. J. Watson.
37 Portrait of Himself, wearing a hat Ditto. Ward.
38 Ditto, ditto Line. M. V. Sears.
39 Jedediah Strutt, Esq. (various) Line &
Stipple. Meyer.
40 Rev. Thomas Seward Line. Cromer.
41 Fireworks from the Castle of St.
Angelo, Rome, 8vo. Line. Radcliffe.
42 “Maria,” from Sterne’s “Sentimental
Journey” Mezzotint. John Raphael
Smith.
43 Thos. Day Line &
Stipple. Meyer.
44 Moonlight View in Italy. Size of Aquatint. Fras. Eginton,
plate 21 × 16½ 1781.
45 The Twins (plate in this volume) Etching. F. Seymour
Haden.
46 Miss Wrights. Two Girls with a Pet
Lamb Mezzotint. S. Paul.
There are several other Minor Prints after him. Also two very fine
Mezzo Prints, scarce, 2 ft. 6½ in. × 2 ft. 2 in. of a Boy and a Girl
with a Bladder, and Two Girls with a Lighted Stick, with the name of W.
Tate, pinxit (a friend of Wright’s), which is evidently an error, as it
is known that Wright did paint these two pictures, and it is presumed
that Mr. Tate had them engraved, hence the error.
A Portrait of the artist, engraved by Blake, was used as a frontispiece
to J. Leigh Philips’ article on Wright, in the “Monthly Magazine,” of
Sept. 1797. Blake engraved his plate from an etching by Wright himself,
and of which only one copy is now known to exist.
NOTE.--The celebrated Engraving, “The Fishery,” engraved by
Woollett, often ascribed as after “Wright, of Derby,” was painted by a
Richard Wright, of Liverpool.
It is interesting to know at what prices the fine Mezzotint
Prints were published, and the following list is copied from a
bill for Prints, receipted by W. Pether:--
£ s. d.
Gladiator 0 15 0
Orrery 1 1 0
Air Pump 0 15 0
Academy 0 15 0
Farrier’s Shop 0 10 6
Master Ashton 0 6 0
Miravin 0 10 6
Blacksmith’s Shop 0 15 0
Hermit 0 15 0
Alchymist 1 1 0
---------
£7 4 0
“Rec^d May 1^{st} 1778, of John Milnes, Esqr., by M^{r.}
Wright, the above sum, in full of all demands.”
By W^M PETHER.
£7 4 0.
INDEX OF PERSONS.
Allen, Mr., 102.
Almond, Rev., 5.
Angelo, Michael, 39, 41, 42, 69, 90, 91, 93, 111.
Arkwright, Richard, 42, 51, 84.
„ Elizabeth, 42.
„ F. C., 42, 84.
„ John, 42.
„ Joseph, 42.
„ Sir Richard, 51, 81, 111.
Ashley, Rev., 7.
Ayton, Brassey, Lee & Co., 91.
Bacon, Mr. (sculptor), 53.
Bainbrigge, Thomas, jun., 102.
Bakewell, Mr., 103.
Barber (artist), 55.
Barker, J., 17.
Barrow, Mr., 89.
Bassano, Mrs., 69.
Bates, Dr., 12, 111.
Baxter, Mr., 35, 70.
Beattie, Dr., 68, 69.
Beechy, Sir W., 111.
Belper, Lord, 10, 79.
Bemrose, W., 26.
Bentley, Mr., 48, 69, 80.
Berghem, 41.
Beridge, Dr., 25, 82.
„ Mrs., 81, 82.
Blackwall, Rev., 9.
Blake, Mr., 106.
Bousfield, Rev. H. N., 52.
Boot, Mrs., 10.
Botts, 41.
Boydell, Alderman, 63, 64, 97, 98, 100, 101.
Brentnall, Mr., 29.
Brookes, Hannah, 3.
Buckley, Edmund, 81.
Buckston, Rev. German, 82.
Burdett, P. P., 9, 11, 12, 33, 48, 76, 77, 78, 84.
„ Mrs., 78.
Cade, Mr., 81.
„ Mrs., 9.
„ Miss, 56.
Carleill, Mr., 52.
„ Mrs., 52.
Cantrell, Mr., 76.
Caracci, Ludivico, 39.
Cesar, Mr., 29.
Chantrey, Mr. (sculptor), 5.
Chesterfield, Lord, 3.
Christie, Mr., 106, 107, 111.
Clayton, Mr. and Mrs., 30.
Clyfford, Mr., 82.
Coke, Daniel Parker, 10.
„ Mr., jun., 30, 33.
Coleman, Mr., 32, 35.
Copley, Mr., 36, 99.
Corbould, Mr., 73, 74.
Correggio, 35, 36, 38, 40.
Cox, Rev. Dr., 1.
Cumberland, Duchess of, 44.
„ George, 106.
Curtis, Capt. R., 59.
Darwin, Erasmus, 56, 69, 79, 80, 87, 95.
„ Reginald. D. D., 80.
Daulby, Mr., 85, 86, 87, 88.
Day, Mr., 79, 80.
Daykene, Anne, 3.
Dean, George, 75.
Denby, Charles, 9.
Denby, Mr. (organist), 9, 10, 76.
Derry, Bishop of, 43.
Domenichino, 39.
Downman, Mr. (artist), 30.
Downman, Mrs., 37.
Drewry, J., 114.
Edkins, William, 106.
Egerton, Messrs. T. and J., 3.
Eley, Mr., 50.
Elliott, General, 59, 76.
Fallows, Mr., 47, 78.
Farrington, Mr., 48, 66.
Ferrers, Lady, 44.
„ Earl, 69, 76, 77, 78.
Fitzherberts, The, 50.
„ Alleyne, 51.
Flaxman, 82.
Flint, Mrs., 30.
Forrester, Mr., 37.
Fowler, Miss, 30.
Fox, Mrs., 28, 30.
French, Capt., 31.
Fuzeli, Mr., 71.
Gainsborough, 16, 44, 45, 67.
Garbage, Edmund, 61.
Garvey, Mr., 57, 61, 62.
Gell, Dorothy, 2.
Gibbon, Mr., 78, 79.
Gilpin, Mr., 97, 98.
Giotto, 40.
Girardot & Co., 37.
Gisborne, Rev. Thos., 9, 25, 26, 92, 95, 102, 115.
„ John, 51.
Gray, Caroline, 3.
Gray, Sir James, 3.
Greasley, Mr., 31.
Greenwood, Mr., 28.
Griffith, Hon. Mrs., 25.
Hacket, Bishop, 1.
Haden, Ann, 11.
„ F. Seymour, 11, 68, 69.
„ Mr., 9, 47, 68, 69.
„ Sarah, 11.
Hall, Messrs., 51.
Hardman, Mr., 86, 92.
„ Mrs., 64.
Harrison, John (singer), 5.
„ J. R., 100.
Hayley, Mrs., 81, 82, 83.
„ (Poet), 25, 26, 28, 43, 44, 57, 58, 61, 62, 69, 76, 81, 82,
83, 98.
„ T. A. (sculptor), 69, 82, 83.
Heath, Mr., 64, 66, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 88, 89, 94, 101.
Heathcote, Mr., 29.
Heathcote, Capt., 30.
„ Col., 30.
Heathfield, Lord, 59.
Hogarth (artist), 11.
Holland, Jno., 26, 53, 79, 96, 102.
„ Mr., Ford House, 52, 111.
Holworthy, James, 4.
Hope, Rev., 9, 10.
Hopner, Mr., 111.
Houghton, Lord, 68.
Humphrey, Osias, 37.
Hudson (portrait painter), 5, 6, 8, 11, 48, 50.
Hurleston, 27, 30, 31, 47.
„ F. T., 27.
Hurt, Charles, 53.
„ Francis, 42.
Jenkins, Mr., 37.
Johnson, Dr., 11.
„ John, LL.D., 82.
Lansdowne, Lord, 12, 72, 73.
Langhorne, Mr., 70.
Lawrence, Mr., 111.
Long, Mr., 100.
Macauley, Miss, 45.
Macklin, Mr., 101.
Martin, Mr., 64, 66.
McNiven, Mr., 91.
Meredith, Sir Wm., 34.
Meteyard, Miss, 80.
Meynell, Mr., 31.
Mundy, F. N. C., 10.
Montague, Mr., 37.
Middiman, Mr., 89.
Milbourne, Mr., 63, 93.
Miles, Captain, 46.
„ Mr., 46.
Milnes, J., 74.
Moreland, Mr., 26, 91, 92.
Morewood, Mrs., 52.
Moreland, Mr., 74.
Mortimer (artist), 8, 33, 58, 69, 78, 79.
Mosley, Mr., 114.
Nash, Jno., 1.
Newton, Mr., 58.
Noell, Counsellor, 7.
Northcote, Mr., 99.
Oakes, James, 11.
Oliver, Thomas, 10.
Oxford, Lord, 8.
Orred, Major, 55.
Osmaston, John, 77.
Overstone, Lord, 74.
Palladio, 40.
Parry, Mr., 36.
Pasquin, Anthony, 57, 61, 62.
Pether, Mr., 31.
Phelps, Mr., 50.
Philips, H., 89, 91, 92, 100.
„ J. L., 57, 58, 62, 63, 64, 65, 70, 72, 73, 74, 85, 88, 90, 91,
92, 93, 94, 95, 102, 104, 105, 106.
„ N., 94.
Pickford, Joseph, 55, 56.
Pindar, Peter, 69, 79.
Pope, The, 34.
Poussin, 38.
Prig, Mr., 62.
Prince Charles Edward, 7.
Raphael, 37, 38, 39.
Rawlinson, Mr., 50.
Rawson, Mr., 31.
Redgrave, Messrs., 26, 41, 58, 66, 67, 68.
„ R., 67.
„ S., 58.
Rembrant, 40.
Reynolds, Sir Joshua, R.A., 1, 5, 8, 44, 48, 67, 98, 99.
Robins, Mr., 16, 17.
Rogers, Mr., 101.
Romney, Mr., 28, 36, 37, 83, 98.
Rought, Thos., 77.
Russia, Catherine, Empress of, 30, 35, 80, 85.
Sale, Mrs., 76.
Salmon, Captain, 40.
Scarsdale, Lord, 37.
Seward, Anna, 69, 79, 81.
Shackleford, Mr., 29.
Shaw, Mr., 112, 114.
Shelton, Mrs., 28, 30.
Sikes, Joseph, 52.
Simpson and North, Messrs., 55.
Smeeton, J., 110.
Smith (artist), 26.
„ Mr., 87, 89.
Smirke, Mr., 74.
Snowden, G., 76.
Sotheby, William, 31, 70.
Sproule, Mrs., 44.
Stephens, F. G., 62, 81.
Sterne, 26, 52, 69, 70.
Stevens, Mr., 37.
Swift, Ann, 27.
Synnott, Walter, 52.
Tacet (musician), 9.
Tate, Jno. Moss, 5.
„ R., 31.
„ Thomas, 26, 31, 32, 33, 63, 64, 65, 66, 77, 85, 87, 88, 89, 91,
92, 93, 94, 95, 100, 101, 103.
Teniers, 40.
Thacker, Mr., 3.
Thornton, Mr., 82.
Tintoret, 39.
Titian, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40.
Turner, J. M. W., R.A., 4, 31, 111.
„ Dr., 83.
Tyrrell, Walter, 68.
Van, Mr. and Mrs., 30.
Vandicke, 40.
Vasari, Mr., 63, 101.
Veronese, Paul, 39, 40.
Wallis, Sarah, 4.
Ward, Mr. and Miss, 47.
Waste, Joan, 56.
Watkins, Nan, 78.
Wedgwood, Godfrey, 26, 61.
„ Josiah, 26, 48, 69, 80, 83.
West, Mr., 98, 99.
Whiatt, Mr., 88.
Whitehurst, Mr., 34.
Wilcockson, Frances, 2.
Williams, John, 61, 62.
Wilmot, Sir Eardley, 3.
Wilson, Capt. John, 2.
„ Dr., 45.
„ Old John, 11.
„ Richard, 1, 53.
Winter, Mr., 10.
Winterman, A., 76.
Winstanley and Taylor, Messrs., 71.
Wolcott, Dr., 79.
Wolfe, General, 71.
Wollett, Mr. (engraver), 5.
Wood, Bishop, 1.
Wood, Mr., 24.
Woodville, Mrs., 55.
Woodward, G. W., 56.
Woty, W., 77.
Wright, Anne Elizabeth, or “Nancy,” 4, 28, 29, 30, 33, 34, 36, 48.
„ Dr. Richard (of London), 3.
„ “Equity Wright,” 3, 4.
„ Francis, 77.
„ Hannah, 4.
„ Harriett, 103.
„ John, 3.
„ Joseph, 4.
„ Rev. John, 1, 2.
„ Richard (of Derby), 3, 6, 27, 34, 41, 51, 77, 105, 106, 111,
115.
„ Richard (marine painter), 5.
BEMROSE & SONS, PRINTERS, DERBY; AND 23, OLD BAILEY, LONDON.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] From Episcopal Registers of the See of Lichfield.
[2] “On Tuesday morning, at this place, aged 78, Mrs. Hannah Wright:
whose pious and amiable disposition endeared her to those friends, her
very delicate state of health, and long retirement had confined the
knowledge of her virtues, and the poor will have to lament the loss of
a kind benefactress. She was eldest sister to R.J. Wright, M.D., and to
the late eminent painter, Joseph Wright, Esqre.”--_Derby Mercury_, Nov.
7, 1810.
[3] Richard Wright was a marine painter of Liverpool, born 1735, died
1775, who painted “The Fishery,” which was engraved by Wollett.
[4] Sir Joshua Reynolds and Mortimer were also pupils under Hudson,
who, Lord Oxford tells us, pleased the country gentlemen “with his
honest similitudes, fair tied wigs, blue velvet coats, and white satin
waistcoats, which he bestowed liberally on his customers.” Hudson,
however, though an Artist of little imagination, was a sound painter
and probably a good master.
[5] Denby published several music books, a collection of hymn tunes,
sonatinos and rondas for the harpsichord.
[6] We here transcribe the Rules of the Derby Assembly of about this
period; they are interesting and curious--
RULES
TO BE OBSERVED IN THE LADIES’ ASSEMBLY IN DERBY.
1.--No Attorney’s Clerk shall be admitted. 2.--No Shopkeeper, or any of
his or her Family shall be admitted, except Mr. Franceys. 3.--No Lady
shall be allowed to Dance in a long white Apron. 4.--All young Ladies
in Mantuas shall pay 2s. 6d. 5.--No Miss in a Coat shall Dance without
Leave of the Lady of the Assembly. 6.--Whosoever shall transgress any
of these Rules, shall be turned out of the Assembly Room.
Several of the above-mentioned _Rules_ having of late been broke
through, they are now Printed by our order, and signed by Us, the
present Ladies and Governors of the Assembly.
ANNE BARNES. DOROTHY EVERY. ELISABETH EYRE. BRIDGET BAILEY. R.
FITZHERBERT. HESTER MUNDY.
[7] The first Exhibition was held in April, 1760. The Catalogue of
1761 has two satirical subjects after Hogarth, and that for 1762 has a
preface from the pen of Dr. Johnson. There were no Exhibitions in 1779,
81, and 82, nor were there any between 1783 and 1790. The last was in
1791.
[8] The sitters in this picture were old John Wilson, an inmate of the
Devonshire almshouses, Mr. Burdett, and the artist himself.
[9] Captain Salmon, who then lived at Breadsall Priory, near Derby, sat
to Wright as Romeo.
[10] The Frontispiece Plate in this volume is taken from this painting,
now in the possession of the Honourable Mrs. Griffith, Yoxall Lodge,
Staffordshire.
[11] “The Mr. Hurleston who went with Mr. Wright of Derby, to Italy in
1773, was my great uncle. He was a very promising young artist, but
immediately after his return to this country, was killed by lightning
while riding across Salisbury Plain in a storm. His name occurs in the
early catalogues of the Royal Academy.”--_Extract from a letter from F.
Y. Hurleston, President of the Incorporated Society of British Artists,
August, 1850._
[12] This has reference to the first voyage of his nephew, Richard
Wright, in the service of the East India Company; two other members of
the family were previously in that service.
[13] Now in the possession of the writer, with many other sketches.
[14] Simpson’s _History of Derby_.
[15] There is little doubt that this is John Downman, R.A.
[16] It is recorded that Catherine, Empress of Russia, purchased
pictures by the most eminent masters in every capital of Europe,
and when she died in 1796, she left at the Hermitage 1,383 valuable
paintings. Of these only eight belonged to the English school.
[17] No. 321. The Old Man and Death.--Society of Artists’ Exhibition.
[18] J. Whitehurst, a celebrated Machinist, and Author of the “Theory
of the Earth.”
[19] Osias Humphrey, miniature painter and R.A., was in Italy about
this time with Romney.
[20] Anna Romana Wright, daughter of Joseph and Anne Wright.
[21] Hannah Wright, daughter of Richard and Sarah Wright.
[22] The Bishop of Derry.
[23] From a memo.:--“Entered Mrs. Sproule’s House 9th Nov., 1775. My
horse went to Ward’s Livery Stable 29th Dec., 1775.”
[24]
No. 147 in Catalogue of Society of Artists, 1776--“An Eruption of Mount
Vesuvius.” „ 148 „ „ „ „ “The Annual Girandolo at the Castle of St.
Angelo at Rome.”
[25] Redgrave’s Century of Painters.
[26] Life of Richard Wilson.
[27] St. Helen’s.
[28] Hutton, in his “History of Derby,” says--“1601. A woman burnt in
Windmill Pit, for poisoning her husband.” From this it appears it was
the usual place of execution for criminals for many years.
[29] Joan Waste, blind from her birth, the daughter of a poor barber,
in the parish of All Hallowes (All Saints’), was, at the age of 22,
burnt as a heretic in Windmill Pit, just outside the town. She was a
godly woman, learned in the Holy Scriptures, which she was diligent in
getting read to her, and condemned for denying transubstantiation, and
after being taken to All Saints’ Church to hear a sermon on herself,
she was burnt on the first of August, 1556.
[30] Chichester: Printed by Dennett Jaques. 1783.
[31] _Cynthia_--Same as Diana, who by some is supposed to have presided
over the moon. So called from her having been born at Cynthus.
[32] _Calpe_, Mount--Synonymous with Gibraltar.
[33] _Elliott_, General, was appointed to the command of Gibraltar in
1776, and defended it at the siege in 1783. In 1787 he was created Lord
Heathfield, Baron Gibraltar.
[34] _Curtis_, Captain Rodger, of the Marine Brigade, afterwards
knighted for his gallant conduct in rescuing the enemy from the burning
ships, on September 14th, 1782, to which allusion is made in verses 5
and 6.
[35] John Williams.
[36] “Harp Alley” Shoe Lane, London, was the market for house signs
before they were abolished.
[37] Boydell.
[38] In the possession of the late Lord Overstone at the time of his
decease.
[39] The Painter.
[40] Gibbon, the Historian of Rome.
[41] Now in the possession of Lord Belper.
[42] Now in the possession of Reginald Darwin, D. D.
[43] Author of “Louisa, a Poetical Novel,” 1782, and “Original
Sonnets,” 1799.
[44] These interesting portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Hayley are now in the
possession of the Rev. German Buckston.
[45] Now in possession of the writer.
[46] The Society of Arts, who built the Lyceum.
[47] When St. Alkmund’s Church was re-built, the tablet was removed
from the pillar and affixed to the wall of the South Porch.
[48] “Monthly Magazine,” October 17th, 1797.
[49] For many years a “Grand Musical Festival” was held in Derby, in
October, and produced large sums in aid of the General Infirmary.
The best musical talent of the day was engaged. On this occasion,
the oratorios, “The Messiah,” “The Creation,” “Judas Maccabeus,”
and “Israel in Egypt,” and a selection from Handel, Boyce, etc.,
were performed in All Saints’ Church, in which Madame Catalani, Miss
Travis, Mrs. Shepley, and Mrs. Bianchi, Mr. Harrison, Messrs. Goss,
Elliott, Whall, and Bartleman took part. The Chorus was supported by
the celebrated Female Singers from Lancashire; also by performers from
the Ancient and Vocal Concerts, London, and from various Cathedrals.
Messrs. Harrison and Greatorex conducted the orchestra of 150
performers. A ball took place in the New Assembly Room, and two grand
concerts in the theatre. On the first day a sermon was preached by the
Archbishop of York, the offertory amounting to £354.
INFIRMARY DONATIONS.--Messrs. Cade and Chappell, being monies received
at the Exhibition at the Town Hall of the late Mr. Wright’s pictures,
£7 13s. 0d.--(_Derby Mercury_, Dec. 4, 1810.)
[50] Engraved in mezzotint. See list.
[51] Engraved by Mayer. See list.
[52] Engraved in mezzotint. See list.
[53] Engraved in “line.” See list.
[54] Engraved. See list of Engravings.
[55] Engraved and also etched.
[56] _a_ to _i_ engraved. See list of Engravings.
[57] Engraved. See list.
[58] This print is often miscalled the Family of Wright, of Derby.
[59] The original painting is now in the Derby Art Gallery.
[60] The original painting is now in the National Gallery.
[61] Wedgwood’s Medallion of Dr. Darwin, with his arms resting upon
a table, is taken from Wright’s painting of the Doctor, now in the
possession of Reginald Darwin, Esq., The Fern, Buxton.
Transcriber’s Notes:
1. Obvious printers’, spelling and punctuation errors have been
silently correct.
2. Where appropriate, original spelling has been retained.
3. Superscripts are represented using the caret character, e.g. D^r.