Role Title: Chair – The Fry Art Gallery Society
Location: The Fry Art Gallery, Saffron Walden, Essex
Closing date: 19 Dec 2025
Interviews: 07 Jan 2026, at the gallery
We are seeking a new Chair to build on the successes of the gallery’s 40-year history. Starting from a strong foundation you will position the Gallery to make a bigger and more visible impact.
As Chair you maintain the gallery’s mission and vision, provide inclusive leadership and ensure the effective governance of the charity. You will offer guidance and regular support to the volunteers, model the gallery’s core values and act as an ambassador both locally and nationally.
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive board and encourage candidates from a broad range of backgrounds and life experiences who demonstrate a clear passion for ‘our’ artists and commitment to the Gallery’s vision. You will ideally have a track record of operating at a senior level and have some experience of charity governance.
You will bring a clear commitment to the Gallery as well as strong interpersonal and collaborative skills. You will be a compelling advocate externally, able to work in partnership with the other trustees to manage key stakeholder relationships. We are looking for someone who combines good judgement and decision making with strategic thinking, as well as the capacity to think creatively and offer fresh perspective.
There is a preference for those with some knowledge of 20th century art.
Familiarity with the area of North West Essex is welcome but not essential. The most important
requirements for the role are the skills to Chair and a passion for our cause.
Number of meetings per annum/time commitment:
- Up to 12 Trustees’ meetings a year held in Saffron Walden
- The AGM of the Fry Art Gallery Society, usually in July
- 2 meetings by invitation of the North West Essex Collection Trust (owners of the Collection)
- At least monthly visits to the gallery to stay in touch with the Keeper of the Collection and the volunteer Operations team
A full role description, as well as information about our Gallery and its Collection is available HERE
Closing date for applications: Friday December 19 2025. A CV and a statement outlining your interest in and suitability for the role are requested.
Applications and details of two referees should be sent to the current Chair, David Oelman at david.oelman@fryartgallery.org