Step into a world where art and nature intertwine, for a day exploring the forthcoming Scented Visions exhibition which examines fragrance and the language of flowers which were popular motifs in Victorian art. This will be followed by an in-depth tour of the grounds, led by Head Gardener (since 2021), Chris Sharples. His expertise in plants and floristry and love of art will perfectly complement the flower symbolism which we will have seen in the paintings, and his infectious enthusiasm promises a most entertaining tour in which he will also tell us about his various projects and plans for future development of the gardens.
Most of you will know Watts Gallery, a pretty Arts and Crafts building, hidden in a quiet lane and housing a most surprising and imposing collection of internationally important art by George Frederic Watts, one of the most celebrated artists of his day. It was designed by a local architect, Christopher Turnor, in keeping with Watts’ ethos of supporting local trades and opened its doors in 1904 to enable the public to see his sculptures and paintings. His equally talented wife, Mary Watts, meanwhile was the force behind the design, building and richly symbolic decoration of the iconic Watts Chapel which was consecrated in 1898. From 1895 she ran weekly classes in terracotta clay modelling, to train local residents to make the decorations for the Chapel. The site was at the time, and continues to be, a thriving artistic hub serving the local community and drawing in many visitors. The surrounding 18 acres of atmospheric grounds including gardens and woodland are an added attraction, blending into the landscape around Compton which was a huge source of inspiration for George and Mary. In addition to the gallery and the tour, there will be plenty of time to explore all areas of the grounds, including the Chapel and Limnerslease (the Watts’ home).
Scented Visions: Smell In Art (1850-1915)
Explore the Pre-Raphaelite movement through a multi-sensory lens! This exhibition invites you to experience art in a profoundly new way. Created by PUIG in collaboration with Artphilia, Watts Gallery has curated a bespoke olfactory experience inspired by key elements within selected Pre-Raphaelite works courtesy of loans from Tate, the National Portrait Gallery and the Ashmolean Museum. The exhibition includes works of renowned artists such as George Watts, John Frederick Lewis, John Everett Millais, Evelyn De Morgan, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Simeon Solomon and Eleanor Fortescue-Brickdale.
You’ll be invited to delve deeper into Victorian art by engaging your sense of smell and thereby gaining a new appreciation for the artists' intentions and their cultural context. Discover how scent played a vital role in Victorian society, influencing everything from personal hygiene to social status.
Itinerary:
10.30 Tea, coffee and biscuits upon arrival
11.00 Visit the Scented Visions Exhibition and Historic Galleries (unguided)
12.30 Lunch
13.30 Garden Tour with Head Gardener Chris Sharples (approximately 90 minutes)
15.00 Free time to explore the rest of the site: Chapel, Limnerslease, Shop and Contemporary Gallery
17.00 Site closes
SGT Members: £37pp
Concessions:
Friends of Watts Gallery: £22pp
Art Pass/Historic House Members: £30pp
Includes tea, coffee & biscuit upon arrival, guided tour of garden, entry to Scented Vision exhibition (and all galleries) and lunch. Lunch will include sandwich platter, fresh fruit and elderflower cordial.
Photo credit: Andy Newbold
Maximum Number: 25 people