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.
Results from the Annual Exhibition and Sale 2021.
Over the weekend of the 20/21 November the Sale attracted 472 visitors and made a profit for the Gallery of over £20,000. The Fry does not receive any regular core funding and so this income helps us to meet our running costs and maintain free admission to all.
A Singular Obsession and Lithographic Fever have now ended. The Gallery will reopen in April 2022, with exhibitions including REGENERATION, which will include many of the highlights of collection, together with The Many Sides of Isabel Rawsthorne.
Christmas Shop Online
The Fry’s online shop has a range of gifts suitable for Christmas presents, from textiles to books.
Please click HERE for more information.
The Fry receives no regular funding and the pandemic has continued to affect visitor numbers during 2021. Should you wish to contribute to our running costs, please use the button below.
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 46: Ballymoss, Ascot Racecourse by Kenneth Rowntree
lithograph, 1958 Ballymoss (1954 - 1979) was an 16-hands-high Irish thoroughbred racehorse. He is pictured here winning the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot in 1958 by three lengths and was retired at the end of that season. He ran in 17 races,...
Work of the Week 45: Map of Great Bardfield by Richard Bawden
mixed media (pen and ink, linocut on paper) 2005/6 Nothing perhaps exemplifies the richness of talent that had been present in Great Bardfield more than this simple drawing by Richard Bawden. Great Bardfield, with cottages dating back to the 14th century, was and...
Work of the Week 44: Caerhays Castle by Edward Bawden
watercolour 1983 Caerhays Castle in Cornwall was built at the beginning of the 19th century for John Bettesworth-Trevanion. It was designed by John Nash, one of the most prominent architects of the Georgian and Regency periods, who was also responsible for Buckingham...
Exhibitions
Annual Exhibition and Sale 20/21 November 2021 including works by Edward Bawden
The ever-popular exhibition and sale returns following a hiatus in 2020 due to the pandemic. Framed and unframed works will be available to purchase, in person only, by artists such as John Aldridge, Michael Rothenstein, Tessa Newcomb, Edward Bawden and Richard Bawden, as well as new faces such as David Cass, Simon Carter, Philip Lyons, John Webb. Works range from £50 to £5000.
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.
News
Ravilious Apron now in stock
Autumn Fruits Apron is now in stock - an ideal stocking-filler for the Christmas chef. This is the Autumn decoration commissioned for publicity for The Cornhill magazine. Exclusive to The Fry Art Gallery, it is printed on 100% unbleached half panama cotton by Stuart...
Annual Exhibition and Sale 20/21 November 2021 including works by Edward Bawden
The ever-popular exhibition and sale returns following a hiatus in 2020 due to the pandemic. Framed and unframed works will be available to purchase, in person only, by artists such as John Aldridge, Michael Rothenstein, Tessa Newcomb, Edward Bawden and Richard Bawden, as well as new faces such as David Cass, Simon Carter, Philip Lyons, John Webb. Works range from £50 to £5000.
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...
Visiting us
Opening Times
A Singular Obsession and Lithographic Fever have now ended. The Gallery will reopen in April 2022, with exhibitions including REGENERATION, which will include many of the highlights of collection, together with The Many Sides of Isabel Rawsthorne.
Contact us
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Location
