Generally regarded as one of the masterpieces of British art, Joseph Wright of Derby’s An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump (1768) demonstrates the close connection between art and science in the Age of Enlightenment.
This display brings together the various strands of Wright’s work that are united in the Air Pump: his knowledge of scientific instruments, his skills as a portraitist and his fascination with the effects of lighting.
This tour is led by Laurence Van Der Noordaa. The talk will take place seated in the gallery with trained picture describers giving a detailed and fascinating description of the works. Sighted companions and guide dogs are welcome.
No booking required. Please join us in the Manton Studio for tea and coffee from 10.30 before the tour.
If you have any other access needs that you would like to let us know about please contact: Anna Murray, Assistant Curator: Access anna.murray@tate.org.uk or call +44 (0)20 7887 8888