Derby Museums is to undertake an extensive refurbishment at the historic Joseph Wright Gallery, which is designed to conserve and upgrade the original attraction built in 1882.

It is anticipated the scheme will enable the attraction to showcase more of Derby Museums' collection of paintings and drawings by Joseph Wright, an English artist who died in 1797.

Joseph Wright Gallery has now closed in order to undergo the refurbishment project, with its reopening scheduled for 25 February 2012.

Derby City Council head of museums and libraries David Potton said: "These refurbishments will improve the gallery's excellent reputation within the community and its role as a local and regional art gallery."