, commonly called Wright of Derby, a very distinguished painter, was born
, commonly called Wright of Derby,
a very distinguished painter, was born at Derby, September 3, 1734. His father was an attorney there. In early
life, he gave indications of a taste for mechanics, and those
habits of attentive observation, which generally lead to
perfection in the fine arts. In 1751, he came to London,
and was placed with Hudson, the most eminent portraitpainter of the day, and who, lord Orford tells us, pleased
the country gentlemen with “his honest similitudes, fair
tied wigs, blue velvet coats, and white sat tin waistcoats,
which he bestowed liberally on his customers.
” Wright
used to lament that he could not receive much instruction
from this master, but it is certain he at this time painted
both portraits and historical pieces in a very capital style,
of which his “Blacksmith’s forge,
” “Air-pump, &c.
” are
proofs. In