Explore and Draw
Explore and Draw: Watts Gallery
Watts Gallery houses the collection of George Frederic Watts OM RA (1817-1904), who was considered to be one of the greatest painters of the Victorian age. The original Arts and Crafts building re-opened in June 2011, following major restoration and offers visitors a unique insight into the art, people and ideas of the 19th century.
The Gallery’s innovative and unique Art for All programme for schools, provides a rich seam of learning by using the Watts Gallery Collection and Watts Chapel to explore topics such as social history, creativity and artistic techniques.
Explore the Watts Gallery collection of paintings, drawings and sculpture by G.F. Watts OM RA with an artist-led session, including an interactive tour and drawing activities. We offer a general introduction to visiting the Gallery, through to tailored sessions based on your requirements, such as a first gallery visit, portraiture, allegory or landscape.
Explore and Draw: Watts Chapel
The Watts Chapel, Compton is an Arts and Crafts Grade 1 listed building, designed by Mary Watts and was built by the local community with her guidance. It is still owned by Compton Parish Council.
During this artist-led workshop you will explore the Watts Chapel, decipher its rich symbolism and the colourful Tree of Life interior decoration, and visit the Cemetery grounds.
Drawing activities are supported by a Watts Chapel Children’s Guide and we offer raised line diagrams and a tactile Watts Chapel book for use by the visually impaired.
Explore and Draw Workshops
Choose one of the Explore and Draw options and add a workshop where children will create an artwork based on what they have seen.
Art Workshop Options
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Terracotta clay tiles
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Terracotta plant tags and wind chimes
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Terracotta coil pots and press moulding
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Sculpture maquettes
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Portraits / self-portraits
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Designing a concept (drawing/painting)
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Nature and the local environment
After the Explore and Draw session, your group will be split in two. One half will do the workshop and the other will visit either the Gallery or Chapel. The groups will then rotate.
Self Guided Visits to Watts Gallery and Watts Chapel
Come on a pre-visit and use the Watts Gallery online teacher’s resources for planning. All self-guided groups need to pre-book a time slot during opening hours.
