Letters from Joseph Wright of Derby to William Hayley and William Long

This little-known collection of nine autograph letters of Joseph Wright of Derby (1734-97) reveals much about the artist’s professional practice and personal friendships. William Hayley (1745-1820), poet and self-styled ‘Hermit of Eartham’, was the recipient of eight of the letters, in which Wright seeks his advice on personal and professional matters. Wright received much of his inspiration for his subjects from Hayley, who directed him towards themes or passages from works, both ancient and modern: for example, the idea for an illustration of a scene from Shakespeare’s Tempest, depicting Ferdinand and Miranda in Prospero’s Cell.