Gallery restoration funds secured

The gallery currently has a leaking roof and out-of-date facilities

The work of a Victorian painter and sculptor will go on show in St Paul's Cathedral while the Surrey gallery dedicated to his work is restored.

Watts Gallery, in Compton, near Guildford, which houses the works of GF Watts, is being repaired and upgraded after securing £4.3m lottery funding.

St Paul's and The Guildhall Art Gallery in London are confirmed venues for a tour of the gallery's collection.

The gallery closes on 28 September for the start of the two-year restoration.

The Watts in the City tour starts in November and continues until June 2009.

The gallery was runner-up in the BBC's Restoration Village programme in 2006, which asked the public to vote on a building to be completely restored.

Quintessentially English, it's a small gallery that's big on charm Carole Souter, Heritage Lottery Fund

Director Perdita Hunt said staff at the 104-year-old gallery were disappointed to lose out at the last minute.

But she said Friday's announcement that the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) cash was secure was a "truly epic day".

The gallery embarked on a £10m fundraising drive in 2004 to safeguard the listed arts and crafts building and its collection, described as "internationally significant".

It is still slightly short of being able to match the HLF grant but the fund has accepted pledges that it will soon do so.

The gallery has paid tribute to the "wonderful efforts" of local people and various trusts and foundations which have contributed.

"As a result of being able to demonstrate just how many people cherish Watts Gallery, and are committed to security its future, the HLF has accepted our pledges to raise the outstanding sum," said Ms Hunt.

"We would appeal to anyone who may be able to help us to overcome this final hurdle in our efforts to save one of Europe's most beautiful small galleries."

During restoration work, there will be hard-hat tours of the estate, an art project in the adjacent woodland and an information point and shop will be open.

"Watts Gallery, one of Surrey's hidden jewels, has been enchanting everyone who walks through its door for over a century," said Carole Souter, chief executive of the HLF.

"Quintessentially English, it's a small gallery that's big on charm.

"We are delighted to be supporting these vital restoration works."