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.
The Fry Art Gallery is open from Sunday 6th April to Sunday 26th October 2025.
The Gallery is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. We are delighted to have as guest curator of the exhibition in the main gallery Ella Ravilious, with a celebration of art and design depicting or made for the domestic space ‘Finding a Home at the Fry’.
In the Gibson Room, Alan Powers and Neil Jennings present a fascinating insight into the murals work done by the Bardfield artists, with many rarely seen pieces.
Film by Thomas Völker © 2022
Online Shop
The Fry’s online shop has a range of gifts, from textiles to books.
Please click HERE for more information.
The Fry receives no regular funding. 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.
News and Events
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Work of the month
Work of the Week 39: Talos by Michael Ayrton
bronze, 1963 Talos was a giant figure who guarded the island of Crete by throwing stones at the ships of any unwelcome interloper. Ayrton wrote of the character of Talos: ‘a certain tranquillity lies in his stupid presence, a certain comfort. He has no brains and no...
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...
Exhibitions
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Visiting us
Opening Times
The Gallery will open in 2025 from Sunday 6th April to Sunday 26th October.
Admission is free. Step-free access is available.
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 2pm – 5pm |
| Wednesday | 2pm – 5pm |
| Thursday | 2pm – 5pm |
| Friday | 2pm – 5pm |
| Saturday | 11am – 5pm |
| Sunday and bank holidays | 2pm – 5pm |
Contact us
We would be delighted to hear from you and you can also find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The links are in the footer below.
Location
