For too long referred to as ‘the painter’s wife’ or ‘Mrs G F Watts’, often of her own accord, Mary Seton Watts (née Fraser Tytler, 1849-1938) was an accomplished artist in her own right.

As an artist, designer, writer, businesswoman and philanthropist, Mary found ways for her art and creativity to support and inspire the people around her. She was the creative powerhouse behind two significant enterprises: the Watts Chapel and the Potters’ Arts Guild at Compton.

From 1872-1873 Mary was enrolled at the newly established Slade School of Fine Art. After leaving the Slade, she continued her studies in London under the celebrated Parisian sculptor Aimé-Jules Dalou (1838-1902).

Mary first met George Frederic Watts in the spring of 1870 when she visited his London studio-home, Little Holland House. Over the years, Mary received both friendship and artistic guidance from the older and well-established artist. After a short engagement, the couple married on 20 November 1886.

Throughout her life, Mary liked to write. Her writings provide us with a unique insight into her changing and evolving artistic practice. They also offer her views on a broad range of contemporary topics including religion, politics, and socialism. Collectively, her written works give voice to a strong-minded, at times self-critical, yet witty individual. In her numerous notebooks, diaries and in the first published biography of George’s life and work, Mary documented key events in her life, commemorated the couple’s artistic achievements, and recorded the early history of Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village.

Watts Cemetery Chapel

The Watts Cemetery Chapel is the creation of Mary Watts. This unique building is a testament to community collaboration, as Mary invited local Compton residents to help decorate the chapel under her expert guidance. Blending Art Nouveau and Celtic influences with Mary's distinctive style, the interior is truly unique.

With 74 individuals contributing their skills, each with a specific role, the chapel was brought to life between 1896 and 1898. Many of these talented individuals later joined Mary in founding the Compton Potters' Arts Guild.

Adding to the chapel's significance, George Watts, just three months before his passing, painted a version of The All-Pervading specifically for the altar.

The Compton Potters' Arts Guild

The Potters’ Arts Guild was founded in 1904 by Mary Watts. The aim was to promote traditional craft practices and create jobs for the local community. Mary said of the Guild: ‘No one can do better than to try to make a delightful village industry. Beautiful things beautifully made by people in beautiful country’.

The Guild produced a wide range of ceramics, jewellery and garden ware. Terracotta tombstones made by the pottery can still be seen by Watts Cemetery Chapel. The pottery thrived for over 50 years before closing in 1956.