Thomas Wright (mathematical instrument maker)

Thomas Wright (1693-1767) was a British mathematical instrument maker working in London in the early 18th century.

He was appointed "Mathematical Instrument Maker" to the Prince of Wales from 1718 (later King George II on this succession to the throne in 1727).

Royal Museums Greenwich has a horizontal sundial, circumferentor (surveyor's compass) as well as a drawing set in its collection.

In 1731 Thomas Wright and Richard Cushee printed a book by Joseph Harris titled "The Description and Use of the Globes, and the Orrery: To Which Is Prefixed, By Way Of Introduction, A Brief Account Of The Solar System" which includes a lengthy description of an orrery and an advertisement: "The great encouragement Mr. Wright has had for many years past in making large Orreries, with the motions of all the Planets and Satellites, and the true motion of Saturn’s Ring, has made him so ready and perfect, that Gentlemen may depend on having them made reasonable and sound, not liable to be out of Order."

His will[5] describes him as “Citizen and Embroiderer of London, and by trade a Mathematical Instrument Maker” and was written on 14 May 1763 and proved on 19 June 1767.