About Collection exhibition

Discover highlights from our collection and key loans including paintings, drawings and sculptures. Our frequently-updated permanent exhibition includes some of George Frederic Watts's most famous works including Barack Obama's favourite painting Hope (1885).

A passionate activist, G F Watts used his artwork to make a statement on themes such as the Irish Famine and animal cruelty and you can view his Protest Paintings in the gallery.

G F Watts was one of the most successful British artists of the 19th century. Opened in 1904, Watts Gallery was the first purpose-built art gallery in the UK dedicated to a single professional artist.

Exhibition highlights

G F Watts, Eve Tempted, c.1868

Oil painting of a wounded heron on the floor

George Frederic Watts, The Wounded Heron, 1837, oil on canvas

Bronze statue of the bust of a woman

G F Watts, Clytie, c. 1865-69, bronze

An unfinished sketch of Watts at 17 where neither the flesh of the face nor his clothing have been extensively painted

George Frederic Watts, Self Portrait Aged Seventeen, 1834, oil on canvas