Groups
Guide
2011-2012 A visit to one of europe’s most beautiful small galleries
www.wattsgallery.org.uk
Watts Gallery: A National Gallery in the Heart of a Village Watts Gallery, star of BBC Restoration Village, re-opens 18 June 2011 after an ÂŁ11 million restoration has 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, alongside Tate and the National Portrait Gallery The Hope Project to save Watts Gallery, will have restored the buildings, conserved the collection, extended the education programme and established Watts Gallery as a centre for the exploration of Victorian art, social history and craft. There are also a number of special exhibitions throughout the year, which are not to be missed.
Visitors can also enjoy the nearby Watts Chapel, an Arts and 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 are sure to fascinate your group.
The Utmost For The Highest - The Art of G.F. Watts 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.
“It is a precious place, I know of nowhere in the world like it.” Maev Kennedy, The Guardian
October 2010!
Painting For The Nation: G.F. Watts and Tate & Hope: World Icon Painting for the Nation:
Hope: World Icon
G.F. Watts and the Tate:
18 June 2011 - 27 November 2011
Between 1897 and 1938 the Tate Gallery had a permanent room devoted to the works of G.F. Watts. His major bequest of paintings to the gallery was gratefully accepted by the nation who found these symbolist masterpieces as uplifting moral statements that offered spirituality to an increasingly secular audience. Drawing from this rich collection, the exhibition evokes the Tate room through the display of many of his major works.
G.F. Watts’s Hope has inspired people throughout the world. When a version was given to Tate in 1897 it was the most popular picture. Since then the painting has influenced European artists, poets from China and Japan and thousands of individuals including Barack Obama. Its image was made into prints, photographs, postcards and even sheet music, stamps and a 1922 film. This exhibition will explore this extraordinary icon through its many manifestations.
Images, from top G.F. Watts, The Minotaur, (detail) 1885. Tate, London G.F. Watts, Hope, 1885-86, reproduced by kind permmission of the private owner
18 June 2011 - 1 January 2012
Watts Chapel - An Arts & Crafts Masterpiece and Hidden Gem
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 Rmanesque styles brought together in a unique Arts & Crafts masterpiece and the extraordinary body of symbols that cover its teracotta 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 still in use and dates are subject to availability. With thanks to Compton Parish Council. Open 9am-5pm Monday to Sunday.
Images, from top G.F. Watts, Hope, (detail) 1885-86. Reproduced by kind permmission of the private owner, Phil Disley, Hope (after Watts), 2009
‘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
By Car/Coach 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 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. Watts 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.
Walking Watts 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 813 580.
The Tea Shop at Watts Gallery: A Local Treasure ‘This local treasure has a devoted cult following’ – Shirlee Posner, Europcar Gastro Guide 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. There is a selection of freshly baked homemade cakes and scones, as well as homemade jams and chutneys. A variety of hot lunch options are available from 12pm until 3pm. The Tea Shop was recently chosen as one of only 20 eateries nationwide to feature in the Europcar Gastro Guide written by Britain’s Guild of Food Writers.
Group Dining Space The Tea Shop can provide a private bookable dining area for groups of up to 20 people. To reserve this area please enquire when booking your visit. The Tea Shop is open Tuesday-Sunday 10.30am-5pm.
Booking Information How to Book Be one of the first groups to visit Watts Gallery following its restoration! You can book group visits by contacting Alex Prince on 01483 813 580 or email visitorservices@wattsgallery.org.uk. We are currently taking group bookings from June 2011 onwards. Prices Standard group entry: £6 p/p (save £1.50) Group bookings with a 20-minute introductory tour: £8 p/p. Group bookings with an in-depth tour (approx 1 hour): £9.50 p/p. Chapel Tour (approx 1 hour): £5.50 p/p Chapel Tour & Gallery Entry: £10 p/p Chapel Tour & Gallery Tour (Introduction: 20 mins): £12 p/p Chapel Tour & Gallery Tour (Full: 1 hour): £13.50 p/p Please note: minimum group size is 8 people.
Opening Times 11am-5pm Tuesdays to Saturdays 1pm-5pm on Sundays Closed on Mondays except Bank Holidays 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 any special requirements please let us know in advance so that we may accommodate them to the best of our abilities. 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: 10:30 – 5:15 Tuesday – Saturday 12:30 – 5:15 Sundays Closed on Mondays except Bank Holidays
A Personal Service/Welcome The visitor Services Manager 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.
External Talks If you would like someone from Watts Gallery to come and talk to your group about the internationally renowned collection and remarkable restoration project please call Alex Prince on 01483 813 580. (Recommended donation £100)
Exclusive Access for Groups Group bookers can also be granted exclusive access to the Watts Gallery Archives for a viewing of rarely seen drawings by G.F. Watts and Mary Watts’ s diaries. Access to the archives is by appointment, please enquire when booking.
How to Find Us: Watts Gallery, Down Lane, Compton Guildford, Surrey, GU3 1DQ Find out more at www.wattsgallery.org.uk