Watts Gallery

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Watts Gallery An art gallery and so much - explore, create and play. Watts Gallery is a vibrant cultural hub in the Surrey countryside.
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Founded by artists George Frederic and Mary Seton Watts, visitors will encounter art in new, engaging ways. See Victorian art in the Historic Galleries with regularly changing exhibitions and discover the Grade I listed Watts Cemetery Chapel with unique decorative features. Visit Limnerslease, the home and studios of Mary and George. Treat yourself and your loved ones to unique and thoughtful presents in the Shop. Then wander up to the free Contemporary Gallery to see the latest exhibition, with artworks for sale. Explore 18 acres of woodland and immaculately kept gardens. You can also enjoy a takeaway or table service at the Tea Shop, it’s an idyllic location to eat and catch up with friends. Read our social media house rules: https://bit.ly/WattsSocialHouseRules

Michael Taylor is a ceramicist based in rural North Devon, about a mile from the village of Ashwater. He began making po...
12/10/2026

Michael Taylor is a ceramicist based in rural North Devon, about a mile from the village of Ashwater. He began making pottery full-time in Holsworthy in 2008. Along with his wife, Yvonne they built their current workshop in 2013. Michael makes the pots, Yvonne does the finishing, packing and keeps Michael ‘organised’.

Michael’s work is stoneware, fired in electric and gas kilns which give different glaze effects. He produces a wide range of domestic ware from extra small bowls and espresso mugs, to very large one-off asymmetric bowls. His pieces have also made their way into retailers such as David Mellor Design.

Michael makes pottery every day, sometimes at weekends, and it’s not unusual for him to throw 200 items in a day. Michael throws and turns every piece of work, however, has said “I couldn’t make as much as I do without Yvonne”.

To read more about Michael and his practice, read our maker spotlight over on our blog. Link in bio 🔗

A New Paradise brings together prints, paintings and collage by five contemporary artists inspired by the natural world,...
10/10/2026

A New Paradise brings together prints, paintings and collage by five contemporary artists inspired by the natural world, celebrating the enduring influence of William Morris. We asked each of them how Morris has inspired and influenced their own works.

Celia Lewis creates work infused with the colour and vitality of the natural world. Abstract motifs are juxtaposed with figurative characters, her expressive depictions of birds, insects, farm animals and flora are enriched by the interplay of pattern and design, the real and the fictive. Watercolour is her main medium but she also paints in acrylic and oils. She is also a printmaker specialising in linocuts.

“As an artist I have always admired the beauty, rhythm and craftmanship of William Morris’s patterns. When I first married in 1972 I filled our house with several of his designs on curtains and loose covers, and they became the background of our family life.

Morris’s celebration of nature, colour and design continues to influence me and inspires my own creative journey. His flowing lines, intricate detail and harmonious use of colour have shaped the way I approach my own art. His work continues to inspire my creativity and reminds me that art can be both meaningful and timeless.”

See works by Celia Lewis in A New Paradise, on display in Watts Contemporary Gallery. There will also be an opportunity to meet the exhibiting artists on Sunday 25 October, 12-2pm in Watts Contemporary Gallery.

All works for sale, free entry above the Shop.

Are you a Surrey Libraries card holder? Visit Watts Gallery for FREE tomorrow! 💃In partnership with Surrey County Counci...
09/10/2026

Are you a Surrey Libraries card holder? Visit Watts Gallery for FREE tomorrow! 💃

In partnership with Surrey County Council, we are offering Surrey Libraries card holders free entry to Watts Gallery on Saturday 10 October.

With 18 acres of grounds and gardens, a fascinating collection of art, vibrant exhibitions, beautiful Arts and Crafts buildings and more, there's plenty to fill up your culture cup.

To find out more and book tickets, head to our website. Link in bio 🔗

Last week, we were delighted to have children's book author and illustrator Michael Parkin (plus glamourous assistant Ja...
07/10/2026

Last week, we were delighted to have children's book author and illustrator Michael Parkin (plus glamourous assistant Jamie) pop by the Shop to jazz up our book room window. The finished artwork is inspired by Michael's book 'Wrong Time Rooster'. Pop by to have a peek at the fresh look, and pick up your own copy of Wrong Time Rooster whilst you're there! 🐓

Open Tuesday - Sunday, 10am - 5pm.

05/10/2026

"Absolutely stunning, wonderful, beyond all expectation. I shall have to come back to continue to take in the wonders of the wallpaper designs."

The Art of Wallpaper: Morris & Co. reveals the stories, craft, and hand-printing techniques behind Britain's most-loved patterns. With over 30 original wallpapers from the Morris & Co. archive, this exhibition offers a rare opportunity to see these iconic designs up close.

The Art of Wallpaper: Morris & Co.
📍Watts Gallery, GU3 1DQ
🔗 Link in bio for tickets


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Today (3 October) marks 130 years since the death of William Morris.William Morris was one of the pioneering figures beh...
03/10/2026

Today (3 October) marks 130 years since the death of William Morris.

William Morris was one of the pioneering figures behind the Arts & Crafts movement. Most-known for his intricate botanical designs, Morris was also an artist, poet, social activist and a self-taught craftsman. His ideas about the natural world, politics and craftmanship have had a huge influence on many artists, writers, makers and creatives today.

Celebrate the legacy of William Morris at Watts Gallery and immerse yourself in original Morris & Co. wallpaper designs in our Art of Wallpaper exhibition. Explore his enduring influence through the works of contemporary artists on display in the show, and in A New Paradise, on display in Watts Contemporary Gallery.

Artwork credits 🖼
1: G F Watts, Portrait of William Morris, 1870, oil on canvas. Collection of National Portrait Gallery, London
2: Pimpernel © Morris & Co
3: Freddie Yauner, How Much is Enough?
4: Louise Atkinson, Heterotopia

It's October, which means only one thing...it's officially spooky season 👻We had so much fun last year doing the ghost t...
02/10/2026

It's October, which means only one thing...it's officially spooky season 👻

We had so much fun last year doing the ghost trend, that we thought it'd only be right to reshare some of the photos (and include a couple that didn't make last year's cut)!

Join in on the spooky fun over October half term. Expect Halloween crafts, family-friendly trails, storytelling and more. Costumes are warmly encouraged!

To find out more, head to our website. Link in bio 🔗

Autumn is in the air, bringing shorter days and crispy mornings. The gardens and grounds are starting to transform into ...
30/09/2026

Autumn is in the air, bringing shorter days and crispy mornings. The gardens and grounds are starting to transform into a palette of rich earthy tones illuminated by golden sunshine 🍂

Mary Watts enjoyed the changing seasons, noting "Autumn days, each more lovely than the last" in her diary on this day in 1891. Fill up your nature cup and take some time to explore 18 acres of stunning Surrey scenery this autumn. Our grounds and gardens are free to visit Tuesday - Sunday, 10am - 5pm.

A New Paradise brings together prints, paintings and collage by five contemporary artists inspired by the natural world,...
28/09/2026

A New Paradise brings together prints, paintings and collage by five contemporary artists inspired by the natural world, celebrating the enduring influence of William Morris. We asked each of them how Morris has inspired and influenced their own works.

Shropshire-based artist Julia Timmins creates highly detailed wood engravings inspired by the countryside surrounding her studio. Profoundly influenced by the natural world, she uses traditional tools and techniques to create keenly observed prints that invite viewers to explore the wonders of the planet through her eyes.

“William Morris has been an enduring source of inspiration for me since I first encountered his work. Like so many others, I have deeply admired the beauty, craftsmanship and generosity of his designs. His ability to find richness in the natural world, plants, flowers, birds and the changing textures of the landscape, continues to resonate deeply with my own practice. I can see his influence in my love of pattern, intricate detail and the expressive possibilities of traditional making. In my wood engravings and drypoint prints, I aim to celebrate a similar sense of wonder, transforming closely observed elements of nature.”

See works by Julia Timmins in A New Paradise, on display in Watts Contemporary Gallery.

All works for sale, free entry above the Shop.

Address

Down Lane
Guildford
GU31DQ

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

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