Famous Footprints - The life of Joseph Pickford (1734-1782)

As part of an ongoing series, Derby Uncovered is looking at various historical figures with a strong connection to either Derby or Derbyshire.

We began in the last issue with the Derby-born artist Joseph Wright and this time round we turn our attention to Joseph Pickford who, although born outside Derby, nevertheless became synonymous with the area and is someone whose legacy can still be visited today.

If the many years of Derby’s history were viewed as a collection of fine wine, then 1734 must be counted as a very fine vintage indeed, as both Joseph Pickford and Joseph Wright (who featured in our last edition) were born in this year.

Unlike his contemporary, Joseph Pickford was not born in Derby. He was born in Ashow, Warwickshire, to 61-year-old William, a mason, and his second wife Mary.

Orphaned at the age of seven, Joseph went to live in London, serving his apprenticeship in Hyde Park under the stonemason and sculptor Joseph Pickford (his uncle), who was one of the leading builders of his day.

Although details are scarce about Joseph’s early life, we do know that one of his first Derbyshire assignments was in 1759, supervising the workmen at Foremark Hall. Foremark Hall had been designed by David Hiorns of Warwick – an old associate of his father.

Relocating permanently, Joseph married Mary Wilkins at Longford Church in April 1762 and together they had two children who were painted by Joseph Wright of Derby.

Perhaps due to his connections with Mary’s father, Thomas, who owned Longford Hall and other large estates, Joseph was awarded the job of executive architect responsible for supervising the erection of the new County Assembly Rooms in the Market Place.

Becoming acquainted with members of the Lunar Society - a dinner club and informal learned society of prominent figures in the Midlands Enlightenment – Joseph became a close personal friend of people such as Joseph Wright and John Whitehurst FRS – the famed clockmaker, scientist and geologist. These connections ultimately became some of his most important clients as, for example, in the case of John Whitehurst when he built a house for him in Queen Street, Derby.

Among his most notable works in Derby, there are two in particular that stand out –St. Helen’s House and his very own house at No. 41 Friar Gate. Now home to a museum entitled Pickford’s House, the property was built in 1770 as an elegant Georgian town house. It was only twelve years after this

that Joseph died in 1782. If it was not for his untimely death, Joseph would have undoubtedly been regarded as one of the leading figures in his entire profession. For those of you yet to visit the museum, I would urge that you do so. Upgraded in 1977 from a Grade II to a Grade I listed building, the property is a stunning example of a Georgian town house.

Inside, there are period room sets illustrating various aspects of domestic life from the 18th to the 20th centuries including a drawing room, a dining room, a master bedroom, a kitchen and scullery and an air raid shelter. You will also be able to view The Tiny Room of Toy Theatre on the top floor which has a collection of toy and model theatres so enchanting that it is worth a visit in itself. Outside, you can view the gardens which mainly incorporate species that would have been available during the Georgian period. One beauty of local history is that it affords the opportunity to local residents to see a glimpse of a small part of times passed in their area. In the case of Joseph Pickford and his contemporary Joseph Wright, with his collection at the Joseph Wright Gallery at the Derby Museum and Art Gallery, there is much more than just a glimpse on offer. There is the opportunity to stand surrounded by evidence of their genius. It’s an opportunity I would urge you to grasp.