Perhaps the ordinary affix to Wright’s name has to some extent interfered with his reputation, but the localisation of his fame is also due to the fact that a great number of his paintings have always remained in his native county, and in the possession of the families for which they were painted.
He was truly “Wright of Derby.” For there he was born and educated, and with the exception of three and a half years under Hudson, in London, two years in Italy, and a similar period at Bath, we find him located at Derby throughout his life. He was, however, well patronised—perhaps, with the exception of Sir Joshua Reynolds, as much so as any of his contemporaries, for seldom, if ever, did a painting of his go into the hands of a dealer, or remain unsold. Respected and honoured by his townsmen, and enjoying the close intimacy and friendship of men eminent by their position and distinguished by their talents in literature and art, he passed his days in the midst of those he loved, industriously labouring at his profession, although at times suffering from long periods of nervous depression until his death in 1797.
Wright’s friend and pupil, Mr. Jno. Moss Tate, of Liverpool, told a gentleman who called upon him early in this century to see some paintings by Wright in his possession, that “he was always pleased to see a Derbyshire man, for that county had produced three most eminent men in the sister arts—Chantrey, the sculptor, Wright, the painter, and John Harrison, the singer.”
It is seldom that a better opportunity is found of obtaining a clear insight into the working and every-day life of an artist, than that afforded by the material collected for the present volume. This consists principally of letters written, and memoranda made, long years ago, and numerous notes by the artist himself. Most of the last are contained in a book in which he carefully recorded the pictures he painted, the prices he obtained for them, and the names of his patrons; in it he was also wont to jot down memoranda (now full of interest) relating to his family and private concerns. Personal and other relics, religiously preserved by relatives, and handed down to the present day, have also assisted in bringing before the writer a vivid picture of the man and his doings.
CHAPTER II.
Early Life.—Mechanical Pursuits.—Aspirations after Art.—Love of Music and Society.—Studies under Hudson.—Returns to Derby.—Again Studies under Hudson.
Young Wright early manifested a taste for mechanics. His brother, Richard, writing to a friend some years afterwards, thus alludes to his leisure employments. “At an early time in life he showed great propensity to knowledge in several mechanical branches; and being of an active mind, would frequently spend his vacant time from school in going to different shops to see the men work. When he returned home he would imitate their works, and compleat them in a masterly manner, such as joiner’s goods, chests of drawers, clocks, spinning wheels, guns, etc. His genius afterwards turned to drawing and painting; if he saw a person once he would draw the outlines of his face so strong as to be known at sight; making great progress in those branches, he was determined to pursue those studies for his profession; accordingly his father, an Attorney-at-Law, enquired of his agents in London, who were the most eminent masters, and upon enquiry he was recommended to Mr. Hudson.”