Notice: A Celebration Of Mary Watts At Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village

Published on: 4 Nov, 2016
Updated on: 4 Nov, 2016

On Monday, November 7, Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village, in Compton, will celebrate the life and career of the designer, Mary Watts (1849–1938).

Mary Watts.

Co-founder of Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village, Mary Watts has, for many years, lived in the shadow of her husband, the Victorian artist George Frederic Watts. But increasing interest in the career of her has shed new light upon her own achievements as an artist.

The catalyst for the event is the publication of The Diary of Mary Watts 1887 – 1904. Never previously published – due in part to the tiny, almost illegible handwriting – the diary volumes have now been transcribed by Desna Greenhow.

The book chronicles life in the artistic, literary and political circles of the time, while also providing invaluable insights into Mary’s own achievements – most notably her management of the building and decorating of the Watts Cemetery Chapel.

To mark the launch of the book, Desna Greenhow will join other leading specialists to consider the significance of Mary Watts as an artist, designer and social campaigner.

The Grade 1 listed Watts Chapel, designed and created by Mary Watts.

Keynote speaker for the study day will be Professor Murdo Macdonald, professor of history of Scottish art at the University of Dundee.

Other speakers include Dr Elaine Cheasley Paterson, associate professor and chair of the Department of Art History at Concordia University in Montreal; Patricia Jackson, senior sculpture conservator at the National Portrait Gallery; Dr Lucy Ella Rose; Dr Zoë Thomas; Hilary Calvert and Dr Louise Boreham.

Nick Tromans, curator of Watts Gallery– Artists’ Village, said: “2016 is a milestone for Mary Watts. In January, we were thrilled to open the Watts Studios which include the first museum space dedicated to Mary Watts.

“Throughout the restoration of the Watts Studios our guide has been Mary’s own account of her life at Limnerslease. We are enormously grateful to Desna Greenhow for her scholarly work on the text of the diary which has allowed Mary to speak to us so clearly all these years later.

“Now we are encouraging others to take an interest in Mary so that her extraordinary achievements will be properly appreciated.”

The event will run from 10.30am to 4.30pm and costs £45, including lunch and refreshments. Pre-booking is required. For further information visit www.wattsgallery.org.uk.