G.F Watts & Mary Watts

G.F Watts Victorian painter and sculptor (1817-1904)

In his own lifetime George Frederic Watts was widely considered to be the greatest painter of the Victorian age, enjoying an unparalleled reputation.

He was an important member of the ‘symbolist’ movement. This meant much of George’s artwork was intended to symbolise emotion and ideas. He created a sense of drama in his work by suggesting both movement and stillness at once.

Watts was the finest and most penetrating portraitist of his age, a sculptor, landscape painter and symbolist, which earned him the title ‘England’s Michelangelo.’

Among George Watts’ most notable works are ‘Physical Energy’; a large sculpture in Hyde Park in London and his iconic paintings entitled ‘Hope’ and ‘Love and Life’.

Mary Watts Victorian painter, sculptor, designer (1817-1904)

Mary Watts was one of the leading Arts & Crafts figures of her generation; she was a painter, sculptor and designer who created the spectacular Watts Cemetery Chapel in Compton.

She enjoyed sculpting and worked with a variety of materials such as terracotta and metal. She also believed in preserving traditional handicrafts.

George and Mary’s work is exhibited at the Watts gallery in Compton.

Images courtesy of the Watts gallery, Compton