WATTS GALLERY TRUST
The Watts Gallery Trust seeks to promote the understanding and appreciation of the Victorian artist G F Watts OM RA 1817-1904 and the ceramic artist Mary Seton Watts, in the context of the 19th Century, and to promote Compton as a centre for exploring Victorian art, social history and craft for present and future generations.
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that the charity reported a net expenditure deficit of £876,551 for the year ended 31 March 2025, driven by rising costs outpacing income growth. While total funds remain substantial at £25,010,342, free unrestricted reserves are critically low at £30,954, representing only approximately 11% of a month's operating costs against a policy target of 3 to 6 months. The trustees acknowledge current financial pressures and cash flow monitoring but express confidence in the organization's ability to continue as a going concern through FY2026/27.
What the accounts disclose
“In the band £100,001 - £110,000 1 1” — page 40
“Trading activities of £1,624,190 (50% of total income) up 25% from FY2024 (£1,295,396)” — page 6
“This level of free reserve represents approximately 11% of a month’s current operating costs. We are committed to rebuilding our reserves to meet the organisation's agreed target level.” — page 8
Structured financials (annual return, FY ending 31/03/2025)
Register events
- Received assets from another charity (07/07/2025)
Trustees
- Sarah Katherine Kingchair
- Caroline Louise Ikin
- Dennis Ralph Brenninkmeijer
- Dr Gursimran Kaur Oberoi
- Jeremy Malise Mcilroy
- Julie Margaret Molloy
- Lysa Robin Schwartz
- Rachael Anne WIlson
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/03/2025 | £2.8m | £3.4m |
| 31/03/2024 | £2.6m | £3.1m |
| 31/03/2023 | £2.6m | £3.2m |
| 31/03/2022 | £2.7m | £3.2m |
| 31/03/2021 | £3.0m | £2.9m |
Common questions
Is WATTS GALLERY TRUST financially healthy?
Per its FY2025 accounts: The accounts state that the charity reported a net expenditure deficit of £876,551 for the year ended 31 March 2025, driven by rising costs outpacing income growth. While total funds remain substantial at £25,010,342, free unrestricted reserves are critically low at £30,954, representing only approximately 11% of a month's operating costs against a policy target of 3 to 6 months. The trustees acknowledge current financial pressures and cash flow monitoring but express confidence in the organization's ability to continue as a going concern through FY2026/27. Its FY2025 accounts were audited by Azets Audit Services Limited.
What does the highest-paid employee of WATTS GALLERY TRUST earn?
Per its FY2025 accounts, the highest-paid employee was in the £100,001 - £110,000 band.
Who funds WATTS GALLERY TRUST?
Funders whose own accounts filings name WATTS GALLERY TRUST as a grant recipient include THE JOHN R. MURRAY CHARITABLE TRUST, THE REED FOUNDATION, THE FOYLE FOUNDATION, THE CLORE DUFFIELD FOUNDATION, THE SANDERSON FOUNDATION.
Known funders
Government & lottery funding
| Funder | Date | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 05/02/2025 | £117k | "Securing the sustainability of Watts Gallery" |
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 10/08/2020 | £243k | "COVID 19 Watts Gallery Trust" |
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 21/12/2015 | £59k | "Watts Gallery to ArtistsÂ’ Village: preserving heritage, meeting the needs of visitors and increasing sustainability" |
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 20/06/2014 | £39k | "Watts in the Red Robe: Bringing Home The Artist's Last Remaining Self Portrait" |
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 21/05/2013 | £500k | "Catalyst Endowment: Watts Gallery" |
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 13/11/2012 | £2.6m | "Limnerslease - Saving the studios" |
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 12/12/2006 | £5.3m | "Watts Gallery Hope Project" |
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 02/06/2005 | £329k | "Watts Gallery lonides family portrait" |
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 21/03/2005 | £50k | "Watts Gallery Hope Project" |
Funders of similar charities
| Funder | Similar charities funded | Amount to them |
|---|---|---|
| THE HEADLEY TRUST | 1 | £30k |
| THE ALBERT DAWSON EDUCATIONAL TRUST | 1 | £23k |
| ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT MUSEUMS | 1 | £21k |
| THE PAUL MELLON CENTRE FOR STUDIES IN BRITISH ART | 1 | £20k |
| BUILDING COMMUNITIES TRUSTEE LIMITED | 1 | £19k |
| THE EVAN CORNISH FOUNDATION | 1 | £15k |
| Army Benevolent Fund | 1 | £15k |
| THE MICHAEL MARKS CHARITABLE TRUST | 1 | £5k |
Charities like this
- THE ALBERT DAWSON EDUCATIONAL TRUST
- CWMNI PLAS GLYN'Y-WEDDW LIMITED
- WOTTON ARTS PROJECT
- THE VC GALLERY
- BANKSIDE GALLERY LIMITED
- HILL CLOSE GARDENS TRUST LIMITED
Side by side with its peers
| Charity | Income | Top pay band | Staff >£60k | Reserves vs policy | Fundraising cost | Going concern |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WATTS GALLERY TRUST | £2.8m | £100,001 - £110,000 | — | below | — | no doubt |
| THE ALBERT DAWSON EDUCATIONAL TRUST | £119k | — | 0 | unclear | — | no doubt |
| CWMNI PLAS GLYN'Y-WEDDW LIMITED | £1.3m | — | 0 | below | — | no doubt |
| WOTTON ARTS PROJECT | £102k | — | 0 | unclear | — | no doubt |
| THE VC GALLERY | £607k | — | 0 | unclear | — | no doubt |
| BANKSIDE GALLERY LIMITED | £448k | — | — | unclear | — | no doubt |