The Limnerslease Project
Introducing the Limnerslease Project - Saving the Watts Studios and Home for the Nation
Limnerslease, Compton, was the country residence of the eminent Victorian artist G.F. Watts OM RA (1817-1904). The name was inspired by the Latin for artist and the old English word for harvest. Commissioned from the Arts & Crafts architect Ernest George and nestling in a hollow of the Surrey hills, south of Guildford, on The Pilgrim’s Way, Limnerslease will be unique in enabling the public to see the only artist house and studio from the 19th Century complete with the original artist’s furniture. Offering the Watts Gallery, a hostel for apprentice potters, a pottery and a chapel, Compton is remarkable in telling the story of the Arts & Crafts Movement.
Watts Gallery Trustees have been presented with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to save Limnerslease for the nation. Having been in private hands since Mary Watts died in 1938, the house and studio are now for sale by the two current owners. The Trust is seeking to save Limnerslease from further damage and loss of its heritage, and secure it for public benefit. Limnerslease will become a place of learning and community- offering apprenticeships, a fellowship in conservation, workshops and activities. It will provide a centre for promoting the contribution and collection of Mary Seton Watts and give interpretation and history of the Cemetery Chapel. The house will offer a place for ideas, retreat and innovation for contemporary artists. Above all it will be a centre for exploring Victorian art, social history and craft and an interpretation centre for the Arts & Crafts Movement. Thanks to four generous lenders, the house and studios have been temporarily secured for two years, to give the Watts Gallery Trust time to raise funds.
If you would like to know more about the plans to save Limnerslease, the Watts home and studios, for the nation please contact Perdita Hunt, Director on 01483 813582 or email director@wattsgallery.org.uk.
