Compton Area Guide

Discover the untold story of seven remarkable sisters whose influence rippled through the worlds of art, literature, photography, and society in the 19th-century. Nicknamed “Pattledom” by the writer William Makepeace Thackeray (1811–1863), the sisters’ world was one of rich cross-cultural exchange, where Anglo-Indian heritage, European influence, and artistic experimentation converged in a vibrant social sphere that defied Victorian convention. Whilst the photographer Julia Margaret Cameron (1815–1879) is today the most celebrated of the sisters, this exhibition uncovers their collective impact. Through rarely seen portraits, evocative photographs, treasured possessions, and new research, discover how their influence extended from Calcutta, India (now Kolkata) to Kensington, and from the salons of Little Holland House to the Bloomsbury Group.

Watts Gallery presents a major exhibition celebrating one of Britain’s most influential designers. The Art of Wallpaper: Morris & Co is a vibrant exhibition exploring the beauty, craftsmanship and enduring appeal of William Morris’s iconic designs. Featuring more than 45 original wallpapers from the archives of Morris & Co., this exhibition offers a rare opportunity to see original, much-loved and well-known designs. Discover the stories behind the patterns, from intricate studies of flora and fauna to the hand-printing techniques that defined the Arts and Crafts ethos. The exhibition also explores the rich connections between William and May Morris and the circle of artists associated with Watts Gallery, including George Frederic Watts, Mary Watts and the De Morgans. Exhibition loaned by Sanderson Design Group Archive, London and organised by Dovecot Studios, Edinburgh.

An opportunity to explore the Art and Craft of GF and Mary Watts. The 18 acre site includes their home and studios, the Watts Gallery , the Sculpture Gallery and the Grade 1 listed Watts Chapel. Rich Miller, of The Great Pottery Throwdown, has his first ceramic exhibition with all items for sale. The details: Cost 30.45plus booking fee and includes a map of the site. Arrival 11.00 for Coffee and Biscuits in the Kiln Room. Guided tour of the gallery at 11.30. Sandwich platter and crisps lunch at 1.00.Please email us if you have any allergies or dietaryrequirements. Car share. Please let us know if you would like a lift. 10% discount in the Shop

The Arts Society Southampton at Chandlers Ford Visit to The Watts Gallery Artists Village Thursday 1st October 2026 Dear Members and Visitors, I am delighted to inform you of the next Arts Society visit and hope that you will be able to join us. I am proposing a visit to The Watts Gallery Artists Village near Guildford, travelling by 19 seater coach from Chandler's Ford, with one other pick up stop in The Avenue, Southampton. On arrival at the venue, we will make a stop at the beautiful Grade 1 listed Chapel, designed by Mary Watts. We will then continue to the main site for coffee and biscuits. Next, we will have a brief introductory talk about all that there is to see on the site, including the special exhibition The Art of Wallpaper, featuring designs by William Morris. This exhibition explores how Morris & Co. transformed wallpaper through hand block printing and how these wallpapers redefined interiors and modern taste. You will see how ideas on art, craft and social purpose resonated with G F and Mary Watts and the artistic community at Compton. A sandwich and fruit lunch will follow and then there will be free time to explore the rest of the site. There is plenty to see, including the De Morgan exhibition and the breathtaking Sculpture Gallery. You can then make the short, uphill walk to Limnerslease, the historic Arts and Crafts style home and studios of George and Mary Watts. Here you can find out more about George as a painter and discover more about Mary as an artist, designer and writer. There is an excellent shop at the Visitor Centre and you can have further refreshments if you so wish, before we head for home. There will be 2 coach pick up points. The first one will be the Cowherds bus stop on The Avenue, Southampton at 08:40. The second will be at the Fryern Hill bus stop in Chandler's Ford to be picked up by coach at 08:55. This is the stop outside the Co-op shop and Josie's caf. Journey time to the Watts Gallery from there is approximately 1 hour 10 minutes, depending on traffic. Schedule for the day: 8:40 Panache coach picks up from Cowherds stop, The Avenue 8:55 Panache coach picks up from Fryern Hill bus stop 10:00 approximately, visit the Watts Chapel 10:30 approximately arrive at the Watts Gallery visitor centre and coffee 11:00 Welcome and brief talk about what to see on site. Then time to see the William Morris exhibition, De Morgan exhibition and Sculpture Gallery 12:15 lunch followed by free time to visit the rest of the site, including Limnerslease 15:30 Leave the Watts Gallery 16:40 approximately return to Chandler's Ford 16:55 approximately Cowherds bus stop The cost of the visit will be 55 per person plus a small booking fee. This includes the coach, morning coffee/tea, lunch (sandwich and fruit platters), a brief welcome talk and a tip for the coach driver. The entrance price is a separate charge. Entrance prices to the Watts Gallery Artists Village are as follows: Art Fund 8.66 English Heritage 13.86 Historic Houses free Museum Association 9 Universal and Pension Credit 2 If you qualify for any of these prices you can pay individually on the day, with the appropriate proof/ membership card. The group rate for 8 or more visitors is 15. Once I know that I have this number of people for the group rate, you will be asked to pay this to TASS in advance. Further details will follow in due course. Booking will open on Monday, 13th July, and close on Wednesday, 26th August 2026. Please book your tickets via the Homepage of our website https://theartssocietysouthampton.org.uk Click on the BOOK NOW box. If you have any queries please email the Ticketsouce email address: [email protected] Please note, however, that I will not be able to respond to any queries until the start of August Thank you for your interest in this visit. Juliet Penfold

Our annual Dinner Drama returns with a bang... er, and mash! Join us for a wonderful evening of great food, laughter and good company as you enjoy a waiter-served two-course meal accompanied by four hilarious one-act comedies, written by Andrew Biss and directed by Noel Ruddy. CLT is delighted to once again offer a themed hot first course, following the changes to our usual catering arrangements that were necessary after Covid. This year's four plays are presented under the umbrella title 'A Ballyhoo in Blighty', so what meal could be more fittingly British than bangers and mash? Our delicious meal will be provided by The Meat Thief, so why not gather your family and friends for an evening of fantastic food and entertainment? During the interval there will also be our traditional raffle, with all proceeds going to the wonderful charity Charlie's Promise.