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:
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.
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 and innovative exhibitions bringing significant new material to the Gallery are running concurrently: A Singular Obsession and Lithographic Fever – see details below.
EXHIBITIONS END ON SUNDAY 31st OCTOBER.
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.
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 40: Portrait of Kitty Wilson by Duffy Ayers
oil, 1945 Kitty Wilson was a remarkable woman. Born in Deal, she worked for Dr Barnado's in Essex for several years, caring for young disabled girls. In 1929 she travelled to Kalimpong in India to look after deprived children, returning to Essex after a few years and...
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,...
Exhibitions
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...
Random Spectacular
Please note that this exhibition has now closed due to government restrictions.
Walter Hoyle – A Versatile Artist
Please note that this exhibition has now closed due to government restrictions.
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
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
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
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.
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
