Watts Gallery, Guildford

Project Details

Project Details

Following successful negotiation, Blenheim House Construction has been appointed to complete the partly Lottery funded conversion and adaption works to Watts Gallery, a Grade II* listed building. Watts Gallery, the first and possibly only remaining purpose built public gallery devoted to a single artist George Frederic Watts, was constructed in 1904 and is located within an area of outstanding natural beauty.

The works comprise completing the essential external repairs to the elevations, windows and the pitched and flat roofs. A plant room extension will be constructed onto the existing education room. New M&E systems will be installed throughout, including mechanical air handling. Externally, a new car park will be constructed, along with all associated works and landscaping.

We are committed to moving this project forward in a proactive manner, whilst assisting the Client and their team however possible. After several months of little activity and severe weather conditions, the site was made safe to allow the project to commence. The works resumed in earnest in February, with a new team of specialist contractors carrying out groundworks, roof works and mechanical and electrical installations.

The project is now just over the halfway stage and the external fabric of the building is substantially complete. The majority of the scaffolding has been removed and external works around the building have recommenced.

Externally, drainage and car park works around the existing occupied tea room are complete and the Klargester tank has been commissioned. Service ducts are being installed across the Pot Car Park. The new extension for the Showcase Gallery and picture storage area has been constructed and roof works have commenced.

Internally, second fix M&E and carpentry is underway in the office and accommodation areas. Wall finishes to these areas are substantially complete. Main plant on the roofs has been installed, and the rooflights to the Sunken Gallery, Sculpture Gallery and offices have been craned in.

The main gallery ceilings are being stripped and new paint finishes will match the original gold / silver leaf paint. The oak boarded ceiling to the Sculpture Gallery is complete, and plastering and screeding works are progressing well in the Sunken Gallery.

Klargester tank being installed (click to enlarge)

Aerial view of roof works (click to enlarge)