‘Walk for Watts’ to Help Repair Arts and Crafts Masterpiece, Watts Chapel

Published on: 12 Aug, 2016
Updated on: 18 Aug, 2016

Watts Chapel – in need of cleaning and conservation

By Will Parsons

Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village is inviting members of the public to join a “Walk for Watts” on Saturday August 20 (2016) to raise vital funds for Watts Chapel.

The chapel is a Grade I listed Arts & Crafts building designed by Mary Watts, who also had Watts Gallery built in 1903 to preserve the work of her husband, George Watts.

Watts Chapel and the surrounding cemetery are in need of cleaning and conservation after sustaining damage over many years from rainfall, water leaks, and high winds.

Some of the beautiful terracotta decoration on the “unique”Watts Chapel

To help raise the funds needed to carry out this work, staff, volunteers and Friends of Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village are calling upon members of the public to join them on their “Walk for Watts” through the Surrey Hills, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The walk will have two routes: a thirteen mile route, and a three-and-a-half mile route. Entry to the longer route costs ten pounds, while entry to the shorter route costs three pounds.

Both are free for people under 16 years, and refreshments will be available along the routes. Dogs are welcome.

The shorter route will start at the Artists’ Village, while the longer route will start at Ranmore Common, near Dorking, with a bus service leaving Watts Gallery for the common at 8.30 in the morning.

Perdita Hunt OBE

Perdita Hunt OBE, Director of Watts Gallery Trust, said: “We are very grateful to all our friends, supporters, volunteers and donors who participate in Walk for Watts to raise funds to save Watts Chapel.

“Walk for Watts is the opportunity to enjoy a lovely stroll or longer walk to save an Arts & Crafts Masterpiece, the Watts Chapel. It is moving that this building is still serving the local community and yet attracts visitors from across the world.

“Thank you to everyone who dons their walking boots or trainers. You will be making a real difference.”

Dr Nicholas Tromans, Brice Curator of Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village, said staff and volunteers were hoping to, “bring back to life one of the most glorious small buildings of England.”

He said: “Watts Chapel is often described as being unique – and it really is! Like a little redbrick Byzantine church miraculously deposited in the Surrey Hills, it is a stunning presence.

“The chapel has been well loved and looked after since its completion in 1904, but the spectacular interior is now very badly in need of careful cleaning by skilled conservators to reveal the stunning colours of the original decoration.”

Walkers can register online at wattsgallery.org.uk/walk, or set up a personal fundraising page through MyDonate at mydonate.bt.com/events/walkforwatts.