Welcome
The Fry Public Art Gallery was opened in 1987 and houses an impressive number of paintings, prints, illustrations, wallpapers and decorative designs by artists of the 20th century and the present day who have local connections and have made a significant contribution to their field. There is an emphasis on those who for a variety of reasons settled in Great Bardfield between the early thirties of the last century and the death in 1983 of John Aldridge RA who had lived in the village for fifty years.
The Gallery is run by volunteers, both invigilators when it is open to the public and other helpers throughout the year. Please contact us if you would like to become more involved.
Please note:
Until July 18th, entry is by pre-booked timed slots.
BOOK HERE
During 2021, all exhibitions will take place nearby at The Fry Art Gallery Too in Museum Street, Saffron Walden, adjacent to the main gates of Saffron Walden Museum.
Gallery Extension Update
Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of donors, we are very pleased to announce that building work on the long-awaited new archive area and exhibition space at the Fry Art Gallery will begin in the coming weeks, as we have nearly reached our fund-raising target.
Please click HERE for more information.
If you can join our efforts to close the gap and reach our fundraising total, we would warmly welcome your contribution.
Become a member
If you would like to become a Fry Gallery Member you can now do so online. Please choose an option below.
Visit the Collection
Browse the Fry Gallery collection online here.
Art & Artists
Work of the Week 27: The Flying Dutchman by David Myerscough-Jones
mixed media, 1975 Made in advance of a 1976 BBC television production of Wagner's opera The Flying Dutchman, David Myerscough-Jones's drawing manages not only to be a practical design but to evoke the entire musical world of that haunted and haunting opera. The...
Work of the Week 26: Dans ce Cafe by Michael Ayrton
etching, from Femmes/Hombres (The Verlaine Suite) 1972 Paul Verlaine (1844-1896), wrote a trilogy of erotic poetry between 1887 and 1891, entitled Les Amies, Femmes and Hombres. The latter two were republished in 1972 as Femmes/Hombres in an edition of 100, with 15...
Work of the Week 25: The Third by Sheila Robinson
Sheila Robinson has created a dynamic and surprising image here…
Exhibitions
A Singular Obsession – celebrating the centenary of Michael Ayrton
Michael Ayrton (1921 – 1975) was a precocious, individual, productive and passionate artist…
Lithographic Fever: ‘Britain’s Mid-Century Print Boom’
In 1950, the artist Michael Rothenstein wrote to the Arts Council from his home in Great Bardfield, Essex.
North West Essex Potters (online)
Online Exhibition (published 18th September 2020) The Fry Art Gallery has had for some years a small collection of the work of studio potters who have lived and worked in North West Essex. Recently this has been developed and two new ground-breaking potters, Ian Auld...
News
VIDEO: Gallery Walk-Through of Ayrton Exhibition
Join us for a walk-through of the current Goldmark sponsored exhibition at the Fry Art Gallery, A Singular Obsession – Celebrating the Centenary of Michael Ayrton, with Dr. Justine Hopkins. Hopkins is a writer and freelance lecturer in Art History, and also the...
Ravilious and the New Online Shop
The Fry has started its own online shop. Here you can purchase textiles, books and catalogues and have them posted to you. Last week we launched the new Eric Ravilious Child's Handkerchief. The initial run sold out within 48 hours. Our supplier is currently rushing...
Michael Ayrton: Centenary Celebrations
2021 is the centenary of Michael Ayrton’s birth. Among the exhibitions in 2021 is A Singular Obsession - celebrating the centenary of Michael Ayrton, here at The Fry. Ayrton’s Minotaur is a striking denizen of the Barbican’s St Alphage Garden, while the legendary...
Visiting us
Opening Times
Until the 18th July, entry is by pre-booked, timed tickets only.
BOOK HERE
Entry will be limited to 12 people per hour, respecting social distancing and visitors must wear a face mask (unless exempt).
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 2pm – 5pm
Saturday 11am – 5pm
Sunday and Bank holidays 2pm – 5pm
Contact us
If you have visited us recently, please take part in our brief ’10 things we’d like to know…’. CLICK HERE
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Location
