Watts Gallery

A National Gallery in the Heart of a Village “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 First opening its doors to the public in 1904, Watts Gallery is a purpose-built art gallery created for the display of works by the great Victorian artist George Frederic Watts OM RA (1817-1904). After a major restoration project, visitors can now experience the Watts Collection in the historic galleries displaying the original decorative schemes. G.F. Watts holds a unique position within British art. He was critically acclaimed, admired by his fellow artists, both home and abroad, and was popularly adored, allowing him the platform to explore his idea of a poet-painter who could preach eternal truths and provoke social reform. Over one hundred paintings by G.F. Watts are on permanent display at Watts Gallery. Spanning a period of 70 years they include portraits, landscapes and his major symbolic works. From the dramatic entrance of the Livanos Gallery to the monumental sculpture and studio artefacts in the Sculpture Gallery, Watts Gallery shows the unique collection left by the artist as his legacy in the heart of a village.