In Wright’s account-book is the following entry:—“An account of the Trees in Windmill pit close in the year 1783, when eight trees on Shaw’s side, six on the Normanton lane, and ten on the road side, in all 24 trees.” From this entry we learn that the historical “Windmill Pit”[28] close (where Joan Waste[29] was burnt at the stake in 1556) at that time belonged to Wright, and that he planted the trees which adorned that once pretty spot, but which have had to fall before the march of the mason and bricklayer. The annual rent of the close at that date was £20.
JOSEPH AND HARRIET, TWO OF WRIGHT’S CHILDREN.
Original picture in the possession of Miss Cade.
CHAPTER VI.
Wright’s Secession from the Royal Academy.—J. L. Philips.—The Messrs. Redgrave’s Criticisms on the Secession and upon Wright’s Works.—Hayley’s Poem.—Anthony Pasquin.—Letters from Wright to J. L. Philips.—The “Air Pump” Picture.
I now propose to deal with the uncommon instance of an artist who, after having accepted the Associateship, refused the full honours of the Royal Academy. In November of 1781, Wright was elected an Associate, and in February, 1784, a full member of the Academy, but for some reason or other he declined to become an Academician. Much has been written upon this subject, and very different conclusions have been arrived at.