Art Galleries
Guildford has a long and well-developed association with the fine arts. John Russell RA, possibly the most famous local to rise to the top of the art world, lived here and was the official pastel painter to both King George II and his son, the Prince of Wales, who later became King George IV.
In modern Guildford, the art scene is still very much alive and thriving with many art related clubs and community groups, and several artist groups working collaboratively in shared studio spaces.
A twenty-minute drive away in Farnham is the campus of the University College of the Creative Arts from which many successful modern artists have graduated, so it is perhaps not surprising to learn that Guildford has a strong artistic culture. There are art supply shops, picture framing facilities, art-and-craft shops selling the works of local painters, designers and sculptors, and, of course, several commercial galleries show-casing the results of so much artistic potential.
Guildford House Gallery

The gallery is located in a Grade I listed townhouse, built in 1660 and home to the Guildford Borough Art Collection since 1959. It is located at the top of the High Street, a little way beyond the famous clock, and access is through the Tourist Information Office.
Run by the local authority, it brings together the Councils’ own extensive art collection and a varied programme of temporary exhibitions, talks, workshops and art shows.
There is a small cafe attached to the gallery, together with an art-and-craft shop. If you are unable to physically visit the gallery, much of the collection can be viewed online via the Guildford Borough website.
Forest Gallery Studio & Framing
7 Oakdene Road, Guildford, GU3 1ND
Forest Gallery is an independent, family-run business, which was established in the UK in 1980. After opening a series of galleries over a 30-year period, Forest Gallery settled in the town of Petworth (West Sussex) in 2016. They have finally made it back to Guildford in Surrey, opening their second gallery space with on-site framing and customer parking in Peasmarsh. The galleries offer a portfolio of over 100 international artists, covering a wide variety of styles from traditional to contemporary.
The ethos at Forest is delivering unique, great-quality artwork at affordable prices. Both galleries are praised for having a professional yet relaxed atmosphere, where expertise is channelled into supporting clients and giving 5-star customer service.
Whitewall Galleries

Once again, located on Guildford’s historic High Street, the Whitewall Galleries are easily located and free to access. It is a commercial gallery and belongs to the extensive Whitewall Galleries chain, exhibiting contemporary works from around the world, and hosting art related events, including evenings with well-known artists.
Watts Gallery

Unlike the other local galleries, the Watts Gallery is set in its own extensive grounds just outside Guildford in the village of Compton. The gallery should really be considered as three different venues, closely linked and with a common theme.
The Watts Gallery itself was opened in 1904 to display the works of the Victorian artist George Frederick Watts OM RA. Thanks to careful restoration the entire collection can still be viewed in a gallery that displays the original decoration and retains a Victorian atmosphere. Watts’ paintings include monumental works, landscapes and portraits. In addition to the paintings, there is a fine collection of Watts’ sculptures, often featuring a classical theme.
Watts Studios
The second area – Watts Studios – is a still work in progress. The area is part of the restoration of the original studio spaces used by Watts and his wife, Mary Watts, which includes the creation of a new studio space, two new galleries and a conservation facility. When completed, the new area will host displays, demonstrations, talks, workshops and special events that involve the public in the life of the gallery.
Watts Chapel
The third and final area is Watts Chapel, which is just a five-minute walk from the main gallery. This astounding cemetery chapel, built from carved red brick, was described by Lucinda Lampton as “one of the most beautiful, one of the most extraordinary, original, marvellous and magical buildings in the whole of the British Isles!”
Mary Watts was the inspirational force behind the chapel, running classes to teach enthusiastic locals how to create clay tiles adorned with intricate designs that she had created especially for the building. And, if the outside impresses you, just wait until you see the inside!