Straight outta Compton

Today was much gentler on the feet only just made 10000 steps. We headed to Guildford by train and then caught a bus to Compton and made the short walk to the Watts Artist Village. Although it was sunny it was a touch bracing and the coolest day we have had for a while. The village was the brainchild of G. F. And Mary Watts a painter/sculptor and sculptor. They built a house, developed a pottery business that Mary ran after her husbands death a Chapel and lived by the arts and crafts ideals. Now there is a gallery displaying a collection of Watts paintings that also houses some of the now homeless De Morgan Foundation pieces. The De Morgan pieces were our main reason for going as Maree wanted to see Angel of Death - it was awesome but we both loved many of Watts paintings as well. Also at the Gallery was an exhibition on Christina Rossetti and her poetry this was also very interesting and well put together. We then headed to a guided tour of the house - 2 other people joined the tour a small group it must be said - Susan who lead us was very knowledgeable and passionate and we thought the tour lasted an hour it was closer to 1.5 and by this stage it was bloody cold and we were starving. But it was worth doing as it was the only way to see inside the house. Thankfully the cafe had a good menu and we had some Welsh rarebit which was hot and yummy. A quick trip to the gift shop - it is rude not too--and we headed to the Chapel. A round red brick building made by Mary which is decorated inside stunningly. Most surprising was to learn that most was made off site. The relief panels are felt stuck on with rabbit skin glue and a gesso placed over and then painted. It retains a very hand made feel but is an amazing space. On the whole it is well worth a visit and we very much enjoyed our time there. As we were both quite tired today once we got back to London it was home for a quiet night in.