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.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION BEFORE YOU PLAN YOUR VISIT:
Because we have less space this year we cannot show the usual range of works by Bawden and Ravilious, (which will return next year), but two new exhibitions are running concurrently: A Singular Obsession and Lithographic Fever – see details below.
Please note that because the Gallery is small, numbers are limited to twelve at any one time, and we prefer face coverings to be worn to protect visitors and staff, unless exempt.
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 began on the 12th July, with the fund-raising target in sight.
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 38: Cat & Windmill by Sheila Robinson
linocut, undated Here is a model Great Bardfield lithograph by Robinson. A domestic interior is linked to a rural scene by the gaze of a cat. Sentimentality is held at bay by the economy of means and the stringent design. It reminds me of Matisse's The Blue Window,...
Work of the Week 37: House on Rocks by George Chapman
aquatint/etching, 1951 George Chapman was famous for documenting the industrial life of South Wales and House on Rocks is no exception. The mill wheel and chimney are placed next to a small house, with hills or even slag heaps in the distance. The technique is of...
Work of the Week 36: Turkey & Farm Machine III by Michael Rothenstein
linocut, 1959 (No. 31) Artist, illustrator and printmaker, Chloë Cheese, selected this work for the Random Spectacular exhibition in 2020: 'This linocut is drawn with great freedom but vividly evokes the Essex farmyards of my childhood. When we lived in Bardfield End...
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
Fry Gallery Autumn Lecture
As a companion piece to one of the current exhibitions, A Singular Obsession, Dr Justine Hopkins, art historian and step-granddaughter of Ayrton, will deliver a lecture entitled : A Traveller in Space and Time: Michael Ayrton, Image Maker. Friday 24th September 8pm...
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
This Ravilious handkerchief is just one of the many items available in our online shop. Books, tea-towels, cushion covers and a host of other items are available to purchase. SHOP
Visiting us
Opening Times
From Tuesday July 20th, booking will no longer be necessary. Please note that because the Gallery is small, numbers are limited to twelve at any one time, and we prefer face
coverings to be worn to protect visitors and staff, 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
