The Philosopher lecturing on the Orrery: The identity of the man in Joseph Wright's famous painting and the rediscovery of a half-forgotten Enlightenment figure
Reference Number
PP/2509
Level of Description
Item
Title
The Philosopher lecturing on the Orrery: The identity of the man in Joseph Wright's famous painting and the rediscovery of a half-forgotten Enlightenment figure
The Quandary, 100, Church Road, Quarndon, Derby DE22 5JA
Date
2016
Extent
Pages: 57
Description
An account of the life and career of John Arden of Derby, Bath and Beverley, astronomer, mathematician and scientific instrument-maker, recently claimed by Professor Jonathan Powers to be the man in the famous painting by Joseph Wright of Derby entitled 'A Philospher giving that Lecture on the Orrery in which a lamp is put in place of the Sun'. Arden lived in Bath 1776-1788 with his family (pp. 39-44), was one of the 27 founder members of the Bath Philosophical Society and in 1786, he advertised his services as a lecturer and tutor at Mr Grinder's Kingston Buildings in Bath. His daughter Jane attempted to open a school (Jane Arden's Academy) in Catherine Place, p. 40. A letter from Professor Powers to Colin Johnston, Principal Archivist at Bath Record Office, regarding research carried out on John Arden is attached to the front cover of the book.
Personal Name
Arden, John, 1720-1791, astronomer, mathematician and scientific instrument-maker
