Watts Gallery

What’s on in June and July

The Trustees at Watts Gallery are delighted to announce the appointment of Gary Topp as the new Director. Gary has held Director/CEO roles across several organisations in the UK and Australia including Yorkshire Culture (DCMS agency), Arnolfini Gallery, Curzon Cinema and Culture Central. His most recent appointment was Director of Painshill Park. Gary said: “It is Watts Gallery’s extraordinary mix of heritage, nature, architecture and the work and passions of G F Watts and Mary Seton Watts that makes leading the organisation such an exciting opportunity. I look forward to exploring and developing a refreshed contemporarypurpose, rooted in these extraordinary historical foundations.” He will take up his role on 15 June.

• The Art of Wallpaper: Morris & Co. is now open at Watts Gallery. Discover over 30 original wallpaper designs from the archive of Morris & Co and see the meticulous hand-printing techniques behind some of William Morris’ iconic designs. As part of the exhibition, families can enjoy an exciting William Morris Wombat trail through Limnerslease. Follow theclues, spot the creatures and collect your stamp at the Visitor Centre.

• Fired Legacies: The Ceramic World of Rich Miller is on display in Watts Contemporary Gallery until Sunday 28 June. Ceramicist and Channel 4’s The Great Pottery Throwdown judge Rich Miller delves into his own heritage and explores intersections with British colonial history. All works for sale, free entry above the Shop.

• From Thursday 2 July, Watts Contemporary Gallery presents Beyond Strawberry Thief. This exhibition, coinciding with The Art of Wallpaper, exhibits nature paintings and prints by Rosalinda Kightley and stained glass by members of the British Society of Master Glass Painters.

• Discover more to the Watts Gallery collection with a Collections Curator tour with Penny Hines on Thursday 11 June. Step behind the door marked ‘Private’ and enjoy “An hour in the archive” with Hilary Underwood on Thursday 18 June.

• Painting conservator Alexandra Earl will be hosting a talk at Watts Gallery on Wednesday 15 July. This talk presents new technical and art historical research into the work of Evelyn De Morgan, focusing on The Barred Gate (c. 1919), an unfinished oil painting from the artist’s late career.

• Enjoy creative time as a family at Watts Gallery this summer. Little ones can enjoy ‘Watts Tots’ sessions on Friday 12 June and Friday 10 July. Furthermore, discover creative workshops on select days and various activities that are free with admission. Craft a sunflower for a collaborative display, dress up as a Victorian painting, play giant games and much more.

Compton residents get 50% off admission! Valid with a proof of address.

• Check the website for details of events. For more information and to book tickets:wattsgallery.org.uk/whats-on

Nestled in the beautiful Surrey Hills, Watts Gallery first opened its doors to the public in 1904. It is unique in the UK being the only purpose-built art gallery created for the display of works by a single artist, the great Victorian artist G.F. Watts (1817-1904). Over one hundred paintings and sculptures are on permanent display; spanning a period of 70 years, they include portraits, landscapes and major symbolic works.

Perched on a hillside, overlooking the Gallery sits Limnerslease, the Autumn and Winter home and studio of G.F. and Mary Watts, originally built in the Arts & Crafts style. Limnerslease recently underwent a major restoration project. Don’t miss the chance to join a guided tour and glimpse the start of this nationally important project.

To this day, the legacy of G.F. and Mary Watts lives on, with artists working onsite and a contemporary gallery selling artwork by local and national artists. Watts Gallery also runs an extensive events programme for families, adults and young people, offering the opportunity to improve your art skills, attend a lecture, or meet one of the artists in residence.

George Frederic Watts 1817 - 1904