GROUPS GUIDE 2014 Visit an Artists’ Village in the heart of the Surrey Hills
WELCOME TO AN ARTISTS’VILLAGE Winner of Small Visitor Attraction of the Year The Beautiful South Awards for Excellence Explore the story of the eminent Victorian artist G.F. Watts and his wife Mary Seton Watts. Discover Watts’s paintings and sculptures in the Gallery, enjoy the temporary exhibition and tour the astounding Grade I-listed Arts & Crafts Chapel with your guide who will bring its story to life. Enjoy a delicious lunch followed by a guided tour around Limnerslease, the Wattses’ home and studio. Don’t miss a visit to the shop, full of unique gifts. ‘We had an absolutely splendid day; the stewarded tours were of an exceptional standard and the catering was bountiful and first class. On the journey home, the positive feedback from the day was overwhelming. Much enjoyed by all.’ Test Valley, Decorative & Fine Arts Society
WATTS GALLERY A national gallery in the heart of a village Enjoy a visit to Watts Gallery for £7 per person (discounted group entry rate) Add an introductory talk for £3 per person or an hour-long tour for £5 per person
First opening its doors to the public in 1904, Watts Gallery was created for the display of works by the great Victorian artist George Frederic Watts OM RA (1817-1904). In his own lifetime G.F. Watts was widely considered to be one of the greatest painters of the Victorian age, enjoying an unparalleled reputation. After a major restoration project from 2008 to 2011, visitors can now experience the Watts Collection in the historic galleries displaying the original decorative scheme. Over one hundred works by G.F. Watts are on permanent display. Spanning a period of 70 years these include portraits, sculptures, landscapes and major symbolic works.
‘A hidden treasure in Compton in Surrey, stuffed with huge allegorical paintings and sparkling portraits by George Frederic Watts that were the talk of Victorian society.’ Maev Kennedy, The Guardian
EXHIBITIONS 2014/15 A new experience every visit Book an exclusive out-of-hours tour for £15 per person including refreshments
Exhibitions John Ruskin: Photographer & Draughtsman 4 February – 1 June 2014 Drawings, watercolours and photographs by John Ruskin capture beautiful details from his passionate journey through the landscape and architecture of Europe. Ellen Terry: The Painter’s Actress 10 June – 9 November 2014 A story of the ever-changing personae and image of Ellen Terry, a star of the English stage and an inspiration to visual artists. A Russian Fairy Tale: The Art and Craft of Elena Polenova 18 November 2014 – 8 February 2015 A display of enchanting fairy tale illustrations and rarely seen works by Elena Polenova; a leading figure in the Russian Craft revival.
Above: George Frederic Watts, detail of Ellen Terry (‘Choosing’), c.1864 © National Portrait Gallery Top: John Ruskin, Light in the West, Beauvais, c.1854 © The Ruskin Foundation (Ruskin Library, University of Lancaster)
WATTS CHAPEL A hidden gem of the Arts & Crafts Movement Free access or book an hour-long tour for £5 per person
Designed and built by Mary Watts, Watts Chapel is a unique fusion of Art Nouveau, Celtic, Romanesque and Egyptian influence with Mary's own original style. It is impossible not to admire the work and inspiration that lies behind this remarkable building. Mary Watts passionately believed that anyone with a real interest and enthusiasm could be taught how to produce intricate decoration and she encouraged people from the local village of Compton, whatever their social status, to come to Limnerslease for clay modelling classes. The local community created the clay tiles which clad the exterior of the walls and they helped make the interior decoration.
Every aspect of the design has symbolic meaning. The four panels on the exterior show friezes symbolising the Spirit of Hope, the Spirit of Truth, the Spirit of Love and the Spirit of Light. The beautiful interior shows seraphs, cherubs and angels, combined with flowers and vines, all held together by the Tree of Life. ‘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
THE WATTS HOME AND STUDIO Last chance to book exclusive tours of Limnerslease Exclusive access available by tour for £5.50 per person
Limnerslease was the Autumn/Winter residence of G.F. and Mary Seton Watts, it nestles in a hollow of the Surrey Hills, a short walk from Watts Gallery. Work has started with generous support from the Heritage Lottery Fund on restoring the studios where Watts and Mary worked. Watts Trustees are seeking support to save the whole building for the nation. On completion of the restoration, Limnerslease will be unique in showing the only artists’ house and studio from the 19th Century. Book a tour now to glimpse the start of a nationally important project. Hear about the people who visited and worked with G.F. and Mary Seton Watts. See their Arts & Crafts style living quarters including period furniture and unique gesso ceilings created by Mary,
the precursor to her work in the Watts Cemetery Chapel. See the artists’ studios and hear about the restoration plans being carried out. When Watts Studios reopen in 2015, visitors will be able to see G.F. Watts’s restored studio in addition to new galleries dedicated to Mary Seton Watts and the story of these artists’ lives in Compton. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and woodlands, Watts Studios will also include dedicated space for conservation, courses and practical craft and design classes and there will be year-round events. Please Note: There is a ten-minute uphill walk to Limnerslease and we regret that, at present, there is no wheelchair access. Flat shoes are required.
GROUP CATERING & SPECIAL OFFER A full day at the Watts Gallery Estate
Group Catering at The Tea Shop During your visit enjoy a delicious lunch, morning coffee break or afternoon tea, all catered by our traditional Tea Shop. Groups can take advantage of the pre-bookable dining area, the Old Kiln, which can seat up to 48 people. The Tea Shop specialises in fresh, English, seasonal food made on the premises and served by friendly staff. To reserve your place please enquire when booking. ‘This local treasure has a devoted cult following’ Shirlee Posner, Europcar Gastro Guide
Special Offer Enjoy a full day at the Watts Gallery Estate for just £19 per person (save £3.50pp) Price excludes catering. No other discounts can be used in conjunction with this offer. Be greeted by welcome refreshments before you proceed to the Gallery for an hourlong tour. After exploring the collection and temporary exhibition enjoy a freshly made two-course lunch in our dedicated group catering space at the Tea Shop. In the afternoon visit the beautiful Watts Chapel and the artists’ home & studio, Limnerslease. Before you leave, peruse the tempting gifts and books in our shop.
BOOKING INFORMATION Opening Times 11am – 5pm Tuesday to Sunday Closed on Mondays except Bank Holidays Booking and Enquiries You can book group visits by calling on 01483 813 589 or email groups@wattsgallery.org.uk. A Personal Service/Welcome We can help to create a bespoke itinerary perfectly suited for your group before you arrive. All groups will be met and welcomed to the Gallery on arrival. Prices Standard group entry Add tours to your group visit: Half-an-hour introduction to Watts Gallery Hour-long tour of Watts Gallery
£7 £3 £5
Out-of-hours’ exhibition tour
£15
Hour-long Chapel tour
£5
Hour and 15 mins, Limnerslease Tour
£5.50
Whole day, Watts Estate offer
£19
Please note: minimum group size is 8 people. All prices may be subject to change. Visitor Centre & Shop 10.30am – 5.15pm Monday – Sunday Watts Gallery Shop stocks a wide range of books and gifts including jewellery. Access Watts 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 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 10-minute walk and a steep path on arrival. Limnerslease tours require a 10-minute walk. We regret that at present the house is not accessible by wheelchair users.
External Talks If you would like us to come and talk to your group about the internationally renowned collection and remarkable restoration project please call or email us. How to find us by car The 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 Watts Gallery). 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 coach Watts Gallery welcomes coaches. Although there is no coach parking on the estate, coaches can drop off their group at the Gallery and park at Loseley Park car park (Postcode GU3 1HS, 5 minutes away). All coaches must pre-book with Watts Gallery. How to find us by rail Guildford Station. Trains from London Waterloo run direct approximately 4 times an hour. 5 minute taxi drive from the station. How to find us by bus No.46 from Guildford bus station. (Stand 5). Mon-Sat, 9 – 6pm. Departs 5 min past hour. Returns 42 min past hour. How to find us by walking Watts Gallery is located along the North Downs Way, it largely follows the historical Pilgrim’s Way, it is located in the Surrey Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. If you would like information on scenic walks or cycle routes of varying lengths that include Watts Gallery and other local attractions, please call us for further details. Watts Gallery, Down Lane, Compton, Guildford, Surrey, GU3 1DQ 01483 810 235 / info@wattsgallery.org.uk www.wattsgallery.org.uk