Time is right to pose questions about legacy of Joseph Wright
Today we pose a controversial question in the hope of provoking a serious debate.
Do we invest time and money in trying to maximise the potential of the city's impressive multi-million pound Joseph Wright Collection or, at a time of deep recession when the city council is being forced to cut millions from its budget, do we sell off the works of art to fund other projects?
Why are we asking such a question? Because, in a year when the Joseph Wright Gallery reopened in Derby after a £150,000 refurbishment, paid for by council tax payers, 40% of those people we asked had never heard of him, while 13% had heard his name but did not know he was an internationally-acclaimed painter.
We even tried to make the survey a little easier by posing our question outside some of the key places in Derby associated with the artist. And all of the 100 people quizzed lived locally and came from all age groups.
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We have nothing against our heritage – indeed we are rightly proud of it – but we feel it is vital that the people of Derby engage in a debate about such an important issue.
Clearly some of the lack of knowledge could be tackled with improved education. We wonder just how many of our children are taught about Joseph Wright in our primary and secondary schools?
We could also follow the example of other city's like Wakefield, which built a gallery bearing the name of the world-famous sculptor, Barbara Hepworth, who was born in the Yorkshire city.
But, to pursue this option, will cost money and it needs to be supported by all sections of our community. We wonder whether there is an appetite for this sort of thing when so many people are losing their jobs or struggling to cope with cuts to services.
Is now the time to cash in this valuable asset and plough the money into something which will give real and significant benefit to the people of our city?
It is a difficult question but it needs to be asked.
Comments
by Monsieur_Lupo
Monday, September 03 2012, 8:36AM
“So, how many councils have been the custodians of this collection?
And this one decides it has the right to possibly dispose of the legacy for future generations?
I suggest they look up 'arrogant' if the have a dictionary!”
by superacetrace
Monday, September 03 2012, 12:12AM
“Joseph Wright`s artwork is the only glimpse we have of The Lunar Societies secrets.
I hope that they rethink their plans to sell off this collection and repackage it with a Lunar theme,considering Neil Armstrong recently passing and the fact that lots of people are winking at the moon to show their respects.
It might get more people interested if they put a current popular theme behind it.
It would be nice to see some more astronomy based stuff at the museum,perhaps they should think of more ways to expand on this theme,perhaps invest in some moon rocks/meteorites?
After all,money is being wasted elsewhere in the city on meaningless stuff,i would consider anything science based not a waste.
Just a thought.”
by jamesbondog
Sunday, September 02 2012, 9:28AM
“Its a sad time when it comes to this.”
by keepr_dylocal
Saturday, September 01 2012, 8:09PM
“So out of Derby's population of over 235,000 the DT managed to find 40 who didn't know who Joseph Wright was and another 13 who didn't know quite how famous he was. And on the back of that they think it's time for a discussion on whether to sell Wright's paintings?
Promote them, yes.
Sell them, no.”
by Edward_HK48
Saturday, September 01 2012, 4:07PM
“SARCASM ALERT - there's always a few who don't spot it:
Yes, let's sell off these boring old paintings - we already have the murals to look at in all the empty shop windows. And convert the Silk Museum to luxury riverside apartments to accompany those "coming soon" on the old police station site. And let's revitalise the Cathedral Quarter - knock down the boring old cathedral and other remnants of the past like the Dolphin Inn, and replace them by a shiny new shopping centre to match the architectural gem which is Westfield. With all the money raised we can put on meretricious garbage like Feste!”
by Derby_born
Saturday, September 01 2012, 11:48AM
“I have been looking at the art collection once owned by Joseph Strutt which he put on public display at the Athaeneum buildings. This collection was sold off over the years and the money has long gone. Leeds seems to ave a lot of this collection and it is making money for them, so at least that art collection (or part of it) is benefiting at least one English city.”
by janine2011
Saturday, September 01 2012, 11:37AM
“If they are sold the money would only be available once, however if they are hired out to businesses so they can hang in offices, reception areas etc they can earn money time and time again. Far better they earn money than sold and be lost to Derby for all time. Where would it end if this collection was sold, which would go next?”
by Fasty
Saturday, September 01 2012, 10:14AM
“If there's a need to spend money on painting you'd be better off putting a box junction on Stamford Street to stop the idiots queuing back onto Osmaston Road while waiting for a space to appear in front of Allenton shops.
Oddly, I don't remember this being a problem before the parking there was 'improved'.”