Watts Gallery - Artists' Village Reviews Summary

Gallery and Exhibitions

Pros:

• "A wonderful community of artists and supporters in this accessible yet hidden part of Surrey."
• "Watts has a varied style and very interesting in his way."
• "Absolutely stunning--for the F.W. Watts paintings and sculptures, of course, but also for the gallery devoted to the underrated Evelyn de Morgan's paintings."
• "An inspiring gallery, studio and home of a successful Victorian painter who lived a long life and left us his treasures."
• "This gallery is a true delight to visit and offers a unique experience."
• "The gallery has some paints works and sculptures, but the couple's artist inspiration still live in the gardens and in the small Chapel nearby."
• "The main gallery (pay to enter) shows paintings and sculptures of Watts and his contemporaries."

Cons:

• "Only gave 4 stars as had printed off what we thought was our ticket but a bossy Gent at the gallery told us we had to go to the shop to swap our printed at home ticket for a real ticket."
• "Apart from the Tennyson sculpture and a few portraits, George Frederick Watts' contributions to the gallery were very disappointing."
• "Interesting gallery tucked away the other side of Guildford. They have issues with their lighting systems which makes some of the works virtually unviewable."
• "The gallery entrance fee is very expensive (£9 each) and you could whizz round the whole place in a few minutes."
• "I question the artist and his subjects that are on exhibition in the gallery if they are really in good taste in the present climate."
• "Staff/volunteers are very helpful, but also inflexibly pedantic about social distancing and numbers rules that made it hard for us to get around the gallery and stay together as a family unit with a baby."
• "Some of the artwork for sale in the shop wasn't to my taste and I thought it looked a bit childish."

Cafe and Food

Pros:

• "We had a lovely meal in the cafe."
• "The tea room also has scones to die for."
• "All good home made food that is reasonably priced."
• "The cafe serves excellent food."
• "Good exhibition space, well stocked shop and a good restaurant with some gluten free options important to those like me with Coeliac."
• "The cafe offers delicious food at reasonable prices."
• "The Welsh Rarebit was fantastic and when we returned later in the afternoon the tea and scones were just excellent."

Cons:

• "However, last couple times no takeaway sandwiches available?"
• "The fact that most people have chosen to comment on the cafe and not the gallery should tell you all you need to know."
• "The tea shop was shocking. Shocking."
• "Cafe isn't big and gets busy."
• "We arrived at 2.55pm, the cafe wasn’t very busy but we had to wait over 10 minutes to be served, only to be told they were no longer doing food!"
• "Not to be missed but be prepared for a wait for the cafe unless you are early or lucky."
• "The cafe serves nice food, but is very overpriced."

Chapel and Architecture

Pros:

• "The chapel was so different, such a very unusual, unique shape."
• "The chapel is amazing and worth the visit alone!"
• "The Watts Chapel designed by his wife Mary are both nearby and included in the price of admission."
• "We continued to the Watts Chapel, a little jewel made in terracotta, surrounded by a beautiful scenery."
• "The Chapel is a must - stunning architecture on the outside and a breathtaking interior."
• "The Watts Cemetery Chapel is of true wonder - designed by Mary Watts and built with the help of the villagers - the Chapel is breathtaking!"
• "My personal highlight the Watts cemetery Chapel, an absolutely stunning place."