Wellbeing Get Together at The Watts Gallery

Our latest Wellbeing Get Together was a visit to The Watts gallery in Compton for a tour of the exhibition “Flower Fairies, the magical world of Cicley Mary Barker” as well as the main gallery.

George Frederic Watts OM was one of the most successful British artists of the 19th century. He painted portraits, landscapes, and pictures exploring themes and ideas of the time. In 1891 he moved to “Limnerslease” in Compton, and with his wife Mary (who was also an artist) planned a museum devoted to his work. The museum opened in 1904, just before his death. The gallery design was inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement and contains top-lit galleries so that his work can be displayed in natural light.

The gallery was restored between 2008 and 2010 following Heritage Lottery Fund grants and the sale of two Victorian paintings in its possession. After extensive work the museum now continues Watts legacy and gives the opportunity for everyone to experience and enjoy art. The gallery worked together with the SW DENS group to maximise the accessibility of this historic site and now much of the site is accessible. For more information see here: Access | Watts Gallery and Artists’ Village

We met in the Old Kiln which was the site of the Compton Potters Arts Guild founded by Mary Watts to promote traditional craft practises and create jobs for the community. Here we enjoyed some hot drinks and excellent cake as well as a catch up with old friends. Then we moved up to the fairy exhibition. We entered the gallery via the sculpture gallery exit as this was the easiest accessible route. The full-scale plaster models of George’s monumental projects, Physical Energy and Monument to Lord Tennyson, dominate the Sculpture Gallery today.

Then we went through to the Fairy exhibition which gave details of the history of Cecily Mary Barkers life and work. The delicate illustrations and subject were a real contrast after the size and power of the sculptural work. This exhibition was over two floors with a narrow staircase, or a single person lift so we took some time to move between the floors!

We met up with our guide for the tour of the main gallery and the majority of Watts work. Our guide was fantastic; incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about her subject – it was a very interesting and informative tour. We learned how George had shown artistic talent early on in his life and he had begun his artistic training in the studio of the sculptor William Behnes from the age of 10. He became a student at the Royal Academy when he was 18 but soon stopped attending. In 1842 the Royal Fine Arts Commission announced a competition to decorate the new Palaces of Westminster. George was one of the winning artists and received £300 as a prize. He used this money to travel to Europe, and settled in Italy until 1847. George was greatly inspired by his time in Italy and the art he saw there during his stay. This, coupled with his reputation as a talented painter and sculptor, earned him the title of ‘England’s Michelangelo’.

If you’re interested in joining our next Wellbeing Get Together please get in touch with Katy or Guy: Katy: Tel/SMS 07434 865062 email katy.hubbard@surreycoalition.org.uk Guy: Tel/SMS 07305 009869 email guy.hill@surreycoalition.org.uk