Watts Gallery

Watts Gallery - Dates for your diary

• Explore Pre-Raphaelite works of art in a profoundly new way with a visit to Scented Visions: Smell in Art 1850 – 1915. This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to discover Victorian art through a multi-sensory lens and features three bespoke scents created by Puig in collaboration with Artphilia. Alongside the exhibition, Head Gardener Chris Sharples has created a Scent Seekers trail through the grounds and gardens. On display until 9 November 2025.

• Watts Contemporary Gallery opens a new exhibition on Thursday 10 July. Exploring Senses delves into how artists interpret the world around us through the act of drawing. Featuring a compelling collection of works by The Society of Graphic Fine Art, this exhibition highlights the versatility of the drawn line. All works for sale. Until Sunday 7 September 2025.

• Celebrate the Scented Visions exhibition with an exciting selection of exhibition-related events throughout July. Indulge in a curator tour followed by a Silent Pool Gin aroma masterclass on Saturday 5 July, join guest curator Dr Christina Bradstreet for a special talk on G F Watts's portrait, Ellen Terry (Choosing) on Friday 11 July, and deepen your connection to the works on display with a perfumed gaze experience on Saturday 12 July. See website for more details.

• Delve into the world of ceramics with pottery in practice, a regular workshop every Friday, exploring different pottery techniques and themes each fortnight. During July, try your hand at tile painting and carved pottery.

• Unleash your creativity on Saturday19 July at Inspired at Watts, a monthly artist-led workshop series at Watts Gallery. Discover new techniques and ideas, taking inspiration from our beautiful woodland and art collections. Welcoming all skill levels, these sessions offer a space to learn and experiment. All materials supplied.

• Have an adventure during the summer holidays with a day out at Watts Gallery. Bring the whole family for a day of art, creativity, imagination, scent and sensory delight. Get crafty and creative during The Make Space and extra Clay Club workshops. On top of that, every day that the gallery is open, enjoy a range of free activities included with admission.

  DON’T FORGET, COMPTON RESIDENTS GET 50% OFF ADMISSION! VALID WITH A PROOF OF ADDRESS.
  www.wattsgallery.org.uk.

Mary Watts was mentioned in BBC podcast You’re Dead To Me: The Arts and Crafts Movement: William Morris and his circle. The episode of the comedy-history podcast, hosted by Greg Jenner, is well worth a listen for anyone who wants to learn more about this movement and the artists at its forefront. www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00274qh.

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