News Story

As we celebrate Watts Gallery's 120th anniversary, we reflect on the rich history that has unfolded within its walls, since it opened on 1 April 1904.

Watts Gallery - Artists' Village is not just a museum, but a cultural hub that encapsulates the Victorian era and its profound influence on the world of art. It was here that George Frederic Watts, along with his wife, the remarkable designer and social reformer Mary Watts, sought to create a space where art could flourish, and artists could find solace and inspiration.

Walking through Watts Gallery, you'll encounter a treasure trove of Victorian paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts, each piece telling a poignant story of its own. From George Frederic Watts's iconic masterpiece, Physical Energy to the intricate ceramic creations of Mary Watts and the local community in the Watts Chapel, every brushstroke and every clay mould invites us to pause and reflect.

In 2024, Watts Gallery - Artists' Village is a thriving charity with the ethos of Art for All by All. We endeavour to reach and inspire all audiences through our collection and exhibitions, programming, contemporary art projects and community engagement.

Discover Watts Gallery in colour

We've selected some of our favourite archive photographs to celebrate our birthday and brought them to life with colour.

A colour photograph of George Watts stood in front of his sculpture 'Physical Energy'
A black and white photograph of George Watts stood in front of his sculpture 'Physical Energy'
A colour photograph of Limnerslease being constructed by men working hard on the roof
A black and white photograph of Limnerslease being constructed by hand, the photograph features men working hard on the roof of the building
A colour photograph of George Watts posing for his photo wearing a large coat, a hat and holding a stick
A black and white photograph of George Watts posing for his photo wearing a large coat, a hat and holding a stick.
A colour photograph of Mary Watts sitting for her photo, you can see her left side profile and she is wearing her hair tied up and wearing a long dress
A black and white photograph of Mary Watts sitting for her photo, you can see her left side profile and she is wearing her hair tied up and wearing a long dress
A colour photograph of George Watts sitting on a chair in his studio surrounded by his paintings
A black and white photograph of George Watts sitting on a chair in his studio surrounded by his paintings
A colour photograph of the entrance of Watts Gallery, this photograph includes what is now the visitor centre surrounded by tall trees and a long path winding up to the entrance of the building
A colour photograph of a man stood in the door way of Watts Gallery
A black and white photograph of man stood in the door way of Watts Gallery
A colour photograph of George and Mary Watts stood outside Limnerslease on the lawn
A black and white photograph of George and Mary Watts stood outside Limnerslease on the lawn