Guide 2012Groups

Watts Gallery: a NatioNal Gallery iN the heart of a VillaGe

Watts Gallery, star of the television series BBC Restoration village re-opened on 18 June 2011, after a two-and-a-half year restoration returned it to its former glory. Housing a collection of works by the eminent Victorian artist, G.F. Watts, it is one of the most beautiful small galleries in Europe. The only purpose-built Gallery in the UK dedicated to a single professional artist it is one of a triad of galleries representing Watts, including Tate and the National Portrait Gallery

The Hope Project which aimed to save Watts Gallery, has restored the buildings, conserved the collection, extended the education programme and established Watts Gallery as a centre for exploring Victorian art, social history, craft and design. The Gallery hosts a number of special exhibitions throughout the year, which are not to be missed.

Visitors can enjoy the nearby Watts Chapel, an Arts & Crafts masterpiece, full of Art Nouveau imagery and designed by Mary Watts. The Tea Shop at Watts Gallery serves locally sourced home-made food and is the perfect spot to take lunch or even an afternoon tea.

An introductory talk or an in-depth tour of either the Gallery or Chapel will bring these historic spaces to life and will fascinate your group.

In his own lifetime George Frederic Watts OM RA (1817-1904), was widely considered to be one of the greatest painters of the Victorian age, enjoying an unparalleled reputation. His ceaseless experimentation embodied the most pressing themes and ideas of the time. A complex figure, Watts was the finest and most penetrating portraitist of his age, a sculptor, landscape painter and symbolist.

Watts’s wife, Mary Seton Watts, was also a prolific artist. After marrying G.F. Watts she turned her attentions to craft-based work including pottery and gesso work. She established the Compton Pottery on the Watts Gallery Estate and taught many of the local community pottery skills. A selection of the ceramics produced by the Compton Potters is on display in the Gallery.

the utmost for the hiGhest - the art of G.f. Watts

“It is a precious place, I know of nowhere in the world like it.”Maev Kennedy, The Guardian

October 2010!

Take advantage of the fantastic opportunity to be one of the first to see Limnerslease, G.F. Watts and Mary Watts’s home in Compton, privately owned and previously closed to the public. The building was commissioned from the Arts & Crafts architect Ernest George and nestles in a hollow of the Surrey Hills, south of Guildford, on The Pilgrim’s Way (just opposite Watts Gallery). A tour of Limnerslease, being the only artist house and studio from the 19th Century complete with the original artist’s furniture, is a truly unique experience. See the ceiling decorated by Mary Watts in gesso relief – a style that later found its most sublime expression in the Cemetery Chapel.

Having ceased to be an artist’s residence since Mary Watts died in 1938, Watts

Gallery Trustees are urgently seeking to save Limnerslease for the nation and have been granted access to the property for occasional tours. Once saved, Limnerslease can be used to increase awareness and understanding of Mary Watts and the Cemetery Chapel that she designed. Limnerslease will also become a centre for exploring Victorian art, social history, craft and design and an interpretation centre for the Arts & Crafts Movement.

A tour of Limnerslease will complete the story of the Wattses in Compton, and together with the Gallery and Chapel provides unparalleled insight into the world of a Victorian artist and his wife. You will be viewing Limnerslease before the restoration of the studio and as such this is a unique opportunity to glimpse the start of a

NeW for 2012 - limNerslease: the artist’s home aNd studio

‘It is no exaggeration to say that the Watts Cemetery Chapel is one of the most beautiful, one of the most extraordinary, original, marvellous and magical buildings in the whole of the British Isles!’- Lucinda Lambton

Watts Chapel, just 300 yards from the Gallery, is a stunning Grade I listed building designed and built by Mary Seton Watts. Its key features are its eclectic mix of Byzantine and Celtic Romanesque styles brought together in a unique Arts & Crafts masterpiece and the extraordinary body of symbols that cover its terracotta exterior and hand-coloured gesso interior. It is impossible not to admire the work and inspiration that lies behind this beautiful building.

Please note that the Chapel is stillin use and dates are subject to availability.With thanks to Compton Parish Council.Open 9am-5pm Monday to Sunday.

Watts Chapel - a hiddeN Gem of the arts & Crafts moVemeNt

How to Find Us by CarThe Gallery is just ten minutes from junction 10 on the M25. Leave the M25 at junction 10 and continue along the A3. Take the B3000 off the A3, signposted Godalming (brown tourist signs to Loseley Park). Take the first exit from the roundabout at the end of the slip road- this is Down Lane. Watts Gallery is a short distance on the right.

How to Find Us by CoachWatts Gallery welcomes coaches, and although there is no coach parking on the estate coaches can drop off their group at the Gallery and park at the Artington Park and Ride (Postcode GU3 1LP, 5minutes away). All coaches must be pre-booked

with Watts Gallery.

How to Find us by WalkingWatts Gallery is located along the North Downs Way which largely follows the historical Pilgrim’s Way, and is located in the Surrey Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. If you would like some information on scenic walks or cycle routes of varying lengths that include Watts Gallery and other local attractions, please enquire on 01483 813 589.

Group CateriNG from the tea shop at Watts Gallery

The Tea ParlourGroup visitors can book the Tea Parlour which is a private room off The Tea Shop at Watts Gallery. This room can seat up to 16 people and larger groups can be divided so your whole group can enjoy our delicious catering.

To reserve this area please enquire when booking your visit.

The Tea Shop at Watts Gallery specialises in fresh, English, seasonal food, that is sourced as locally as possible, made on the premises and served by friendly staff. Please ask us about the different options for your group.

‘This local treasure has

a devoted cult following’

Shirlee Posner,

Europcar Gastro Guide

BookiNG iNformatioN

Watts Gallery, Down Lane, ComptonGuildford, Surrey, GU3 1DQ

www.wattsgallery.org.ukwww.facebook.com/thewattsgallerywww.twitter.com/wattsgallery

Opening Times11am-5pm Tuesdays to Saturdays1pm-5pm on Sundays Closed on Mondays except Bank Holidays

How to BookYou can book group visits by calling on 01483 813 589 or email groups@wattsgallery.org.uk.

PricesStandard group entry: £6 per person.Group bookings with a 20-minute introductory tour: £8 per person.Group bookings with an in-depth tour(approx 1 hour): £9.50 p/p.Chapel Tour (approx 1 hour): £5.50 p/pLimnerslease Tour (approx 1 hour): £9.50 p/p Please note: minimum group size is 8 people. All prices may be subject to change.

A Personal Service/WelcomeWe can help to create a bespoke itinerary perfectly suited for you and your group before you arrive. All groups will be welcomed to the Gallery by a member of staff who will meet you on arrival and answer any questions you may have.

Exclusive Access for GroupsGroup bookers can have exclusive access to

the Watts Gallery Archives for a viewing of rarely seen drawings by G.F. Watts and enjoy Mary Watts’s diaries. Access to the archives is by appointment, please enquire when booking.

AccessWatts Gallery, the Visitor Centre and Tea Shop are all fully accessible to wheelchair users. There are accessible toilets in Watts Gallery and near The Tea Shop. If any members of your group have any special requirements please let us know in advance so that we may accommodate them to the best of our abilities. Watts Chapel tours require a short walk (300yds) and a steep path on arrival. Limnerslease tours require a short walk (300yds). We regret that at present the house is not accesible by wheelchair users.

Watts Gallery Visitor Centre and Shop Watts Gallery Shop stocks a wide range of quality books and gifts including more unusual items and out-of-print books. Opening times: 10.30am – 5.15pm Tuesday – Saturday12.30 – 5.15pm SundaysClosed on Mondays except Bank Holidays

External TalksIf you would like us to come and talk to your group about the internationally renowned collection and remarkable restoration project please call us on 01483 813 589 or email groups@wattsgallery.org.uk. (Recommended minimum donation £100)

Cert no. SA-COC-001885