An art gallery dedicated to the work of renowned Victorian artist George Frederic Watts in Compton, Surrey, has reopened its doors following an £11m restoration programme.

Watts Gallery had featured on English Heritage's Heritage At Risk register before narrowly missing out on winning the BBC's Restoration Village in 2006. Blenheim House Construction worked on the restoration of the gallery, having secured the contract after R J Barwick Construction Services went into administration in 2009.

Many of Watts Gallery's original features have been restored, while new systems have been implemented to ensure greater access and to provide environmental controls. The Heritage Lottery Fund contributed £4.9m towards the restoration project, while Surrey County Council has also invested in upgrading the attraction.

Council leader Dr Andrew Povey said: "Supporting Watts Gallery is an opportunity to help maintain its good work in training apprentices and volunteers,. "The tourism industry is worth millions of pounds to Surrey's economy and attractions like Watts Gallery generate wealth for the county that will help us along the road to economic recovery."