Apollo Talks

As the National Gallery celebrates the opening of Wright of Derby: From the Shadows, Edward Behrens, editor of Apollo, is joined by art historian and author Peter Davidson. They will discuss the role of drama, light and enlightenment in the works of Joseph Wright of Derby and, possibly beyond, in 18th century painting.

While light is a basic necessity of all painting, the question of how it can be read and what it means to both Wright of Derby and his viewers can turn up surprising results.

A welcome drink will be served on arrival, doors open at 6.15pm.

Peter Davidson is Fellow of Campion Hall, University of Oxford. He has taught at the universities of Aberdeen, Leiden and Warwick. He is the author of a book of essays about northern culture, The Idea of North (Reaktion, 2005), Distance and Memory (2013), a collection of verse, The Palace of Oblivion (2008) and The Last of the Light: About Twilight (Reaktion, 2015).

Make the most of it and book a table in the Supporters' House Dining Room before or after the talk. Reservations for the Dining Room can be made via the booking page.