Page Turns for Local Trust as New Executive Appointed

Published on: 3 Apr, 2026
Updated on: 4 Apr, 2026

Watts Gallery Artists’ Village.

By Isabelle Trubshaw

Guildford’s Watts Gallery Trust appoints Gary Topp, former Director of Painshill Park Trust, as its new Executive Chief, marking a new chapter for both organisations.

The transition will take place in June and indicates a key milestone in securing the future of the Trust, following years of financial difficulty post-Covid.

Sarah King, Chair of Watts Gallery Trust, explains that the past five years have been “exceptionally challenging” for Watts given increased operating costs, the impact of cost-of-living crisis on staff and visitors, and national funding cuts to the arts and museum sector.

“In recent months we have taken the opportunity to understand more about our audiences, to reflect on and review our offer and our business model too so we can look ahead to a flourishing future,” Sarah said.

She added: “Gary brings the clarity, experience, and dynamic leadership needed as we move confidently into the next chapter.”

Gary Topp will take on this new role with myriad experience in CEO roles across several organisations in the UK and Australia. He has also contributed essays to numerous artists books and has wide interests across many art forms having started his career as a visual arts curator in Dorset.

Gary Topp – the new Director of Watts Gallery

Describing the opportunity as “exciting”, Topp said he is looking forward to build upon the legacy of founders G F Watts and Mary Seton Watts.

“I look forward to exploring and developing a refreshed contemporary purpose, rooted in these extraordinary historical foundations, working with our staff, volunteers and the many artists, communities and audiences across a wide range of projects and activities,” he said.

Topp succeeds interim Co-CEOs Madeline Henderson and Henry Anaele, who took the role in 2025. They will both remain integral parts to the organisation in their positions as Head of Development and Head of Finance.

The Trust’s re-structuring will further be strengthened by the appointment of four new trustees on the Watts Gallery Trust board —Caroline Ikin, Rachael Ogden Wilson, Lysa Schwarz, and Sarah Songhurst — who will bring further expertise from across the arts and charity sectors.

Painshill Park Trust have confirmed that it has not yet started the search for a new director and will only start doing so closer to June.

Founded in 1904, Watts Gallery has evolved significantly over the years but remains a place to “learn, explore and create”, housing extraordinary art collections and exhibitions, alongside talks, workshops, tours and courses.

Watts Gallery logo

This spring, the gallery is hosting a range of exhibitions, including Women of Influence, running until the May 4, which explores the story of the Pattle sisters’ deep influence in Victorian society. On April 2, the Gallery will host its fourth and final exclusive curator-led tour. exhibition, offering behind-the-scenes insights into the making of the exhibition.

Other exhibitions include Lines & Lineage: Three Wood Engravers, on display until the April 12, exhibiting intricate wood engravings from three artists spanning over a century, and Fired Legacies: The Ceramic World of Rich, Rich Miller’s first major solo ceramic exhibition exploring his heritage and British colonial history from April 16 – June 28.

The Trust also continues its “Art for All” community programme, reflecting the founders’ belief that art has the power to change society, and therefore should be accessible to everyone.