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.