WATTS GALLERY

Early day motion 2642, tabled 24 July 2006 by Anne Milton (Conservative). Signed by 25 members.

That this House notes the desperate decline of a unique part of England's heritage in the form of Watts Gallery, Compton, Guildford, which houses the studio collection of the most eminent Victorian artist, G.F. Watts OMRA, whose work adorns the walls in this House and whose career was launched by winning an art competition for the Palace of Westminster; and celebrates the fact that this independent registered museum, Watts Gallery, a hidden gem and national treasure, is now part of the BBC Restoration Village series, which provides Watts Gallery with a chance to gain a new roof as its current roof lets in the wind and rain and threatens the collection which this early Arts and Crafts Grade II* listed building houses; further notes that this unique place has survived independently for 100 years without any public money and has accommodated apprentice potters and provided a village hall for the local community; and calls for every measure to be taken to ensure that Watts Gallery, founded on the principles of art for all, survives another 100 years offering education and outreach programmes for all and becoming the centre for exploring Victorian art, social history and craft.

Signatures by party: Conservative 10, Labour 7, DUP 4, Liberal Democrat 4.