Origins and History of the Museum
The Derby Museum and Art Gallery was established in 1879. Located on The Strand in Derby, United Kingdom, the institution occupies a building designed by Richard Knill Freeman. This structure was given to the city by Michael Thomas Bass. The Art Gallery within the premises opened to the public in 1882.
The architecture of the museum follows the Victorian Gothic style. It was built to house a variety of collections, including archaeology, natural history, and geology. The site also maintains significant military and world culture collections. The museum remains a central part of the city's historical landscape.
The Extensive Art and Porcelain Collections
The museum holds the largest collection of works by the 18th-century artist Joseph Wright of Derby. These paintings reflect the scientific and industrial shifts of the era. Alongside these works, the galleries contain a significant assembly of Royal Crown Derby and other porcelain produced in Derby and the surrounding area. This selection provides a record of local ceramic innovation and manufacturing history.
Beyond fine art and ceramics, the institution maintains diverse holdings. The collections include archaeology, natural history, and geology. Military collections and objects representing various world cultures are also held within the museum's permanent displays.
- The Alchymist, in Search of the Philosopher's Stone
- A Philosopher Giving that Lecture on the Orrery, in which a Lamp is put in place of the Sun or The Orrery, 1766
- Indian Widow, 1785
- The Captive King, 1772
- St Peter's Church, Derby, by Moonlight, 1860
Masterpieces of the Art Collection
The museum holds the largest collection of works by Joseph Wright of Derby. His paintings are central to the gallery's identity, reflecting the scientific and industrial shifts of the eighteenth century. These works often utilize dramatic light to explore themes of inquiry and human experience.
Among these significant works is Indian Widow, dated 1785. The collection also includes The Captive and A Philosopher by Lamp Light. These paintings demonstrate the artist's technical command of light and shadow, a style that defined his approach to both portraiture and genre scenes.
Major Donations and Historical Collections
The museum holds a significant assembly of works known as the Alfred Edward Goodey collection. This acquisition, titled Old Derby Pictures, provides a visual record of the town's development. The collection comprises nearly 800 objects, including a substantial selection of drawings, prints, and paintings. These works date from the late 1600s to 1930s.
The Alfred Edward Goodey donation includes several specific pieces that illustrate the changing landscape and social fabric of the region. These items offer a perspective on the local environment and its evolution over several centuries. The breadth of the collection allows for a detailed study of the area's history through various artistic mediums.
- Indian Widow, 1785 - Joseph Wright of Derby
- The Earthstopper on the Banks of the Derwent - Joseph Wright of Derby
- St Peter's Church, Derby, by Moonlight, 1860 - Henry Lark Pratt
- View of Derby, Showing the Derwent, 1860 - Henry Lark Pratt
Current and Recent Exhibitions
The exhibition 'A View Of Derby' is currently on display, running until Sunday, May 26, 2024. This presentation features nearly 800 objects that provide a snapshot of the city's history. The selection includes works from the Alfred Edward Goodey collection, alongside other objects that explore the specific context behind their creation.
These displays offer a visual record of the town's development. The collection includes drawings, prints, and paintings dating from the late 1600s to 1930s. By examining these items, visitors can observe the evolution of the area through the eyes of those who lived and worked within it.
