The Project
History
Watts Gallery was founded by the Victorian artists G F Watts (1817–1904) and Mary Watts (1849-1938), who believed that art should be accessible to all and that it had the power to provoke social change. On the outskirts of Compton, Surrey they built their home and studio (Limnerslease), a purpose-built gallery, a pottery, and a local chapel. Watts Gallery Trust continues their ethos today, leading its work with a vision of Art for All by All.
Collaboration with Social Prescribing
Each term, Watts Gallery delivers a six-week course, for up to 10 individuals who have been referred to us through the social-prescribing model, with VASWS. Across the course, participants will try their hand at a variety of different creative-making techniques, inspired by the practices of G F and Mary Watts. This will include pottery, Modroc, painting and collage. They will be within a group, meeting other people looking to support their mental health and socialise in a calm and encouraging environment, led by an artist from partner charity, Creative Minds. Together, the group will spend time outdoors in Watts Gallery’s 18 acres of woodlands, visit the Chapel (a highlight!), explore the galleries, studios and home of G F and Mary Watts, and create their own work. We invite participants to join us to take some time for yourself to explore, refresh and express.
About the Course Leader
Georgiana is an artist and teacher and has been developing and delivering classes for the last 10 year using a variety of techniques and mediums. She believes that being creative and producing one's own piece of art , even in the most simplest of ways, can be deeply satisfying, profound and transformative. It's a little like solving a puzzle! And this process encourages confidence, imagination and a feeling of being part of something greater than oneself.
"I love what I do, seeing the different images that the [ERE] group creates and seeing the surprise at how exciting a process it is to be part of, something that will last for life."
"Amazing. So relaxed and surprised at what I've achieved - I am loving this course - and feeling very relaxed. Thank you."
COURSE ATTENDEE
"I have gained the confidence to have a go at any type of art or craft. The mental health benefits are multiple. To turn up at a class and have to think of nothing except what you are doing is amazingly calming."
COURSE ATTENDEE
"I have had so much fun. Socialising has been lovely. I always leave feeling calm and positive."
COURSE ATTENDEE
"This course was amazing. Georgiana was so kind and supportive and I met some wonderful people and had so much fun being creative. I am now part of a new friendship group since the course ended and we all meet for coffee."
COURSE ATTENDEE
Testimonials
Gallery
Enjoy some of the highlights of the project so far!
All photo credits on this page: Creative Colony
