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 now closed for the season. We are open in 2026 between Sunday 5th April and Sunday 25th October.
Our 2026 season opens with two exhibitions:
- ‘Fry’s Popular Delights’ co-curated by Mark Hearld and Colin Wilkin featuring works from our Collection, and exploring the link between the ‘Fry Artists’ and Popular Art.
- a selection of work by illustrator and collage artist Michelle Thompson, who has been shown at the RA and whose clients include The Guardian, The New York Times, and Marvel.
Our winter lecture series continues into the New Year. For more information, see under ‘News’ on this website.
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 27: The Flying Dutchman by David Myerscough-Jones
mixed media, 1975 Made in advance of a 1976 BBC television production of Wagner's opera The Flying Dutchman, David Myerscough-Jones's drawing manages not only to be a practical design but to evoke the entire musical world of that haunted and haunting opera. The...
Work of the Week 26: Dans ce Cafe by Michael Ayrton
etching, from Femmes/Hombres (The Verlaine Suite) 1972 Paul Verlaine (1844-1896), wrote a trilogy of erotic poetry between 1887 and 1891, entitled Les Amies, Femmes and Hombres. The latter two were republished in 1972 as Femmes/Hombres in an edition of 100, with 15...
Work of the Week 25: The Third by Sheila Robinson
Sheila Robinson has created a dynamic and surprising image here…
Exhibitions
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Volunteer
We could not open the gallery without the commitment and enthusiasm of our dedicated band of volunteer helpers. We pride ourselves on running a gallery to the highest professional standards while remaining a small and friendly group of people, united by our love of the artworks in our collection.
For general enquiries about volunteering with us, contact info@fryartgallery.org.
Where there are specific opportunities, we will advertise them here.
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Visiting us
Opening Times
The Gallery will open in 2026 from Sunday 5th April to Sunday 25th 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
