Cosy sends out Wright message to schools to mark anniversary

Cosy Direct has issued canvas-mounted prints of Derby artist Joseph Wright’s most famous painting to schools across the city as part of its 10th anniversary celebrations.

The ethical supplier of educational and play equipment has gifted 80 of the prints of Wright’s 1766 painting A Philosopher Lecturing on the Orrery so that children growing up in Derby can learn more about the city’s most famous son.

Cosy employs 100 people and is based near Tutbury but was founded in Derby in 2011 by city entrepreneur Peter Ellse, who set out to supply schools and nurseries with sustainable and responsibly sourced equipment that would encourage open-ended, outdoor play.

The company gives away 10% of its profits every year to good causes, which work to make a difference both in the UK and overseas and wanted to celebrate its decade by inspiring local children by sharing free copies of Wright’s genius with their schools.

Representatives from a host of city schools were invited to an event at Derby Museum and Art Gallery earlier this month, where they viewed the original painting and listened to a talk by senior curator Lucy Bamford, who is recognised as the world’s foremost expert on Wright.

Peter said: “This wonderful painting is a celebration of both Joseph Wright and Derby’s immense contribution to the modern world, which is why we wanted to inspire the new generation growing up and learning at our city’s schools by giving them all their own copy.

“We’re really pleased by the response we’ve had from the schools, and we hope that pupils and staff alike enjoy their paintings and take the opportunity to learn more about the history of our city.”