Latest News - July 2008
28 July 2008
Family Open Day a Huge Success
The event was the FINAL Open Day to take place at Watts Gallery before a major 2-year restoration project begins this autumn, and visitors were blessed with glorious weather to enjoy a whole host of free hands-on art activities, tours and talks which took place across the Watts Gallery Estate.
BBC Southern Counties Radio's Fred Marden 'cut the ribbon' to open the day, and talked movingly about the "special feeling" he shared with his mother and late father for Watts Gallery. Fred looked ahead to the autumn and winter exhibitions of the Watts Gallery collection, taking place in London and New York, and hailed these as a wonderful opportunity to "spread the word" about GF Watts and Compton's Watts Gallery.
Other special visitors included Geoffrey Watts, Great Great Nephew of George Frederic, and celebrated children's author and illustrator, Val Biro, who entertained children and adults alike with his storytelling sessions about his much-loved Vintage car, Gumdrop. The inspiration behind these stories, a beautifully maintained 1926 Austen Healey, was parked proudly directly outside Watts Gallery and attracted much attention throughout the day.
23 July 2008
Free Family Open Day, Sunday 27 July, 11-5pm
Celebrated children’s author and illustrator, Val Biro, has confirmed that he will be bringing his famous 1926 Austin Clifton Heavy, Gumdrop, to Watts Gallery’s Open Day on Sunday 27 July. The FREE event, which promises non-stop entertainment from 11am – 5pm, will be the FINAL Open Day to be held at Watts Gallery before the restoration project. The annual event will be opened by Fred Marden, BBC Southern Counties Radio and will include FREE Gallery tours, artist led workshops, art and craft exhibitions and stalls, storytelling, a ‘Watts Walk around Compton’ and a whole host of additional activities for all the family. Perdita Hunt, Director, says, “This event is a true milestone in Watts Gallery’s history; the Open Day will kick-start the final five weeks before the Gallery closes to the public for restoration on 31 August, reopening in 2010.”
27 June 2008
“A truly epic day!” Watts Gallery granted £4.3 million by Heritage Lottery Fund for vital restoration
Celebrations are taking place at Watts Gallery, Compton, following news that the Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded the £4.3 million grant that will enable a two-year major restoration project to begin in the autumn. To secure this lifeline, Watts Gallery has had to raise almost £4 million, which has been made possible by the wonderful efforts and generosity of the local community, Trusts, Foundations and individuals.
“This is a truly epic day in the 104-year history of Watts Gallery!”, says Perdita Hunt, Watts Gallery’s Director. “Launching the Hope Appeal in 2004, we faced a mammoth task in raising the £10 million required to safeguard both the Gallery and its internationally significant collection.”
“In 2006, when Watts Gallery reached the final of BBC Restoration Village, our hopes were raised only to suffer disappointment at the very last minute when it was announced that Watts Gallery had so narrowly missed out on winning the first prize. Then, in December 2006, our spirits were lifted once again with the welcome news that our application to the HLF had been successful, and that a £4.3 million grant had been earmarked for Watts Gallery on condition that we match this sum through our own fundraising activity.”
There remains a slight shortfall in Watts Gallery’s own fundraising target. Perdita adds, “As a result of being able to demonstrate just how many people cherish Watts Gallery, and are committed to securing its future, the HLF has accepted our pledges to raise the outstanding sum. We would appeal to anyone who may be able to help us to overcome this final hurdle in our efforts to save one of Europe’s most beautiful small galleries.”
Carole Souter, Chief Executive of the Heritage Lottery Fund, said: "Watts Gallery, one of Surrey's hidden jewels, has been enchanting everyone who walks through its door for over a century. Quintessentially English, it's a small gallery that's big on charm. We're delighted to be supporting these vital restoration works which will not only secure the Gallery's future but also enable it to continue to welcome local visitors as well as attracting new ones."
19 June 2008
Watts Gallery Friends Reach 500!
The campaign to have 2010 Friends by the year 2010 reached a significant milestone today with more than 500 Friends now on board.
Click here to find out more about the Friends of Watts Gallery and how you can join them.