I can’t begin to imagine how many times I have driven past the sign to Watts Chapel along the A3 near Guildford in Surrey. Not knowing that this little gem lay hidden close by in Down Lane, Compton. Jenny of CharactersFromTheKitchen introduced me to this architectural delight a few months ago and I knew I would have to make the journey next time I was down in Surrey.
(Please click images to enlarge – there is an awful lot of detail in these images)
This morning, before the rain arrived again, I made my way to Watts Cemetery Chapel to the bright red brick of this Arts and Crafts masterpiece. Designed and decorated by Mary Seton Watts this example of Art Nouveau was completed in 1904. She dedicated it:
“to the loving memory of all who find rest near its walls, and for the comfort and help of those to whom the sorrow of separation remains”
The Exterior: The Sign of Eternity
The Chapel’s shape is reminiscent of Byzantine architecture, the entrance Celtic-Romanesque with 15 angels forming an inner arch ‘looking up in hope and down in sympathy‘ whilst outer arches depict peacock feathers and heart-shaped crosses. The pillars show people learning from the book of life about resurrection in nature.
The outside of the building is made up of four large friezes which represent in turn Hope, Truth, Love and Light. Symbolic birds are represented by the peacock (Hope), the owl (Truth), the pelican (Love) and the eagle (Light). Surrounding these are attendant spirits depicted as angel heads holding symbolic discs.
All this before you step inside. Where I promise you will gasp in awe.
The Interior: The Dome of Heaven
The interior is richly decorated with hand-painted gesso, forming an elaborate symbolic scene. The symbol of God is the eternal circle and is at its apex. Radiating from this are the angels closest to God; cherubim with babies heads and seraphim in rich red bless those below. Light and dark or positive and negative are represented and the whole is linked by the tree of life.
A golden terracotta girdle circles the interior with a series of flowers created by the village children. The altar gleaming in the gloom. More than 70 villagers worked alongside Mary Watts to create the tiles to help decorate the Chapel.
Please visit jenny’s site for further information as she has an excellent post about it.
Meanwhile we will have a wander around some of the unusual Art Nouveau headstones in the cemetery, including that of Mary Watts and her husband, artist George Frederick Watts which is actually very simple. Unfortunately it has begun to rain heavily now, so the light is poor. I may have to revisit this unusual place again.
Source: Watts Cemetery Chapel booklet
TRAVEL WORDS 
Morning Jude – thanks so much for the link back – your pictures are fantastic – I’m so glad you got to this wonderful little place. I’m just sorry the weather this week hasn’t been kinder for you!
It was very dark inside the chapel so I haven’t a clue what the colours are really like. I didn’t use any flash in these. I also didn’t manage to photograph the Owl frieze so another visit is in order. It is such a magical place you can gaze at the details for hours – thank you SO much for introducing me to this place. I should have taken the tour to the house, but by then it was raining and my ankle swelling. Next time.
I haven’t done the house yet. It hasn’t been open long but it is definitely on the list…which never seems to get any shorter 😀
I shall look forward to your article about it if you get there before me – which seems likely!
What a wonderful discovery. So many gentle beauties, beautifully photographed. The whole is amazing, and so are the details. I love the graveyard, the rain no detriment. How’s the ankle? This would almost be enough to make you forget about it. And dis you take Peanut? It may have done him good.
it is so beautiful Meg. You can’t see the building from the road as it is hidden behind the Yews, just a glimpse of red brick. Then you see the roundness, the carvings on those tiles, the hearts, the flowers, the angels, the Celtic crosses, the… … it is a wonder I ever made it inside!
What an amazing looking place!
It is. Just the outside is fantastic, but once you step through those doors…
What a marvel. I must visit that soon. Thanks for revealing it
Thank Jenny, without her I wouldn’t have known about it and I am ashamed to say I lived in the area for 7 years!! Now I have to wonder what other delights pass me by…
What an amazing discovery. Gorgeous photos Jude.
Some great shots of a very unusual place, Jude. The brickwork and terracotta has rendered perfectly, and the interiors were all the better for no flash.
Regards as always, Pete. x
I am now wondering what other beauties lurk in the countryside.
A treasure indeed. The pigments used in the interior are captivating. What a find. And yes. Are there other treasures hidden in our countryside. I bet there are.
Difficult to know the precise colours as it was very dark inside yesterday. Maybe lighter than my images show. Need to try and go back on a sunnier day, I think Jenny’s photos are lighter.
It is indeed a wonderful place, I have posted on it a couple of years ago….
I wondered if you had been there. Any more gems around? I was going to visit Strawberry Hill House today, but it is so cold and wet and I have a headache to add to the foot! Couldn’t face public transport in the rain.
To be honest, I’m pretty hopeless when it comes to places to visit bearish me….I usually find out from other people. And I know what you mean about the weather, but at least it’s forcing me to stay in and do more sorting! 😦 😦
Oh wow, what a treasure of a place and some lovely captures.
Thank you – even better in person.
You’ll have to go again then 🙂
If the weather is good on Sunday I may pop back to see if I can get a shot of the OWL frieze. I seem to have missed that one. It is on my way home as I am going back the ‘scenic’ route. In other words avoiding the M25
Wonderful! Sorry about your rain though. 😦
The rain is such a nuisance. I had all sorts of plans… oh, well.