Firstly, welcome to my new website. This is where I'll give you an insight into my current work and events and, sometimes, thoughts on the world of art, sculpture and illustration.
I recently delivered some sculpture to Watt Gallery Artists' Village in Compton, Surrey, and I wanted to share what a fascinating place it is.
The Artists' Village combines the main house, that George and Mary Watt designed and the chapel she designed plus gardens, contemporary work and their own sculpture, design & drawings. It's an mazing gathering of contemporary and Victorian thoughts, ideas and philanthropic ideals which are both inspiring and thought-provoking. And with space for contemporary artists to respond , exhibit and engage.
George Frederic Watts was one of the most successful British artists of the 19th Century and Mary Watts was a renowned designer and founder of the Potters' Arts Guild at Compton. They married in 1886 and in 1891 Sir Ernest George built their studio-home in Compton in the Arts & Crafts style. Originally designed as an escape from their London home, Limnerslease became their main residence. George painted there and Mary decorated the walls and ceilings with her own work.
Watts Gallery is in the East Wing of Limnerslease and you can visit the GF Watts Studio, Mary Watts Gallery and Compton Gallery.
Watts Gallery is in the East Wing of Limnerslease and you can visit the GF Watts Studio, Mary Watts Gallery and Compton Gallery.
I took advantage of my time at Watts Gallery, exploring the galleries and the grounds. I did some drawing - this full scale physical gesso model for 'Physical Energy' is on display in the sculpture gallery. George Frederic Watts started work on it in the early 1880s and continued to develop it until his death on 1st July 1904.
My work is on display in the Watts Contemporary Gallery until 3rd September - the exhibition: Reinvented: the Art of Upcycling celebrates found objects or previously-used materials and it's great to be exhibiting alongside other talented artists. There are also several of my pieces available in their shop.
If you get a chance, visit Watts Gallery Artists' Village - it's a fantastic day out, there's so much to see and do.