Surrey County Council supports Watts Gallery

Surrey County Council supports Watts Gallery

Surrey County Council has contributed £70,000 towards the major restoration of a gallery dedicated to the artist who created Barack Obama’s favourite painting.

The money was given to Watts Gallery, in Compton, which reopened to visitors on Saturday, June 18, following an £11 million restoration project.

The attraction, known throughout the art world, is dedicated to the work of Victorian artist George Frederic Watts who is widely considered to be the greatest painter of his age. Barack Obama has named Watts’ work called Hope as his all time favourite. The county council’s support came at a critical time and enabled the restoration project to be completed.

Surrey County Council’s funding was contributed on the condition the gallery continues to provide apprenticeship schemes, maintains support for its 200 volunteers, offers discounted entry for local looked after children and continues its membership of Visit Surrey to support the county’s tourism economy.

Leader of Surrey County Council Dr Andrew Povey said: “The arts play an important role in many people’s lives but in supporting them we must ensure Surrey residents get value for money for every pound spent. Supporting Watts Gallery is an opportunity to help maintain its good work in training apprentices and volunteers, as well as providing opportunities for looked after children to learn about the arts.

“The tourism industry is worth millions of pounds to Surrey’s economy and attractions like Watts Gallery generate wealth for the county that will help us along the road to economic recovery.”

Director of Watts Gallery Perdita Hunt: “I feel so grateful to Surrey County Council for its very generous support at a critical stage in the Watts Gallery Hope Project. Surrey County Council’s generosity will enable us to continue our work in supporting apprenticeships in craft, marketing, collections management and estate management.

“Our training and development of over 200 volunteers can now continue. With this generous grant we can truly claim that Watts Gallery offers art for all and delivers the vision of enabling people to enjoy the inspiration of art and craft in a rural setting.”

Chairman of Surrey County Council Lavinia Sealy said: “I’m delighted the county council is supporting Watts Gallery which is a jewel in the crown of Surrey’s flourishing arts community. It is held with deep affection by many people, a fact highlighted by the huge fundraising efforts put in to support its restoration.”

Mrs Sealy and Dr Povey attended the official opening of Watts Gallery by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall in May.

ENDS

Notes to editors

For more information on Watts Gallery visit http://www.wattsgallery.org.uk