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 winter.
We re-open on Sunday 6th April 2025, with exhibitions celebrating our 40th anniversary.
In the mean time, we look forward to seeing you at our annual sale on the weekend of 16th and 17th November, or at one of our winter lectures, by Tim Knox on Friday 8th November, by Johnny Hannah on Friday 10th January, and by Ella Ravilious on Friday 14th February. More details are on this website under ‘Exhibitions’ and ‘News’.
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
INTRODUCTION TO WOOD ENGRAVING
Saturday 27th July 2024 9.45am to 4.30pm Cost £100, including all materials To book click HERE Full details will be emailed to participants after booking. Limited to 8 participants Tuscan Trees by Kate Dicker A one-day practical workshop with printmaker Kate Dicker...
Richard Bawden 1936 – 2024
Everyone at the Fry is saddened by the news that Richard Bawden, artist, illustrator, designer died peacefully at home on May 31st 2024. Richard was a generous supporter of the Fry Art Gallery, and he is well represented in the North West Essex Collection. We are...
New season opens
Ransomes RHA Plough This horse drawn plough, manufactured by Ransomes of Ipswich, the biggest agricultural equipment manufacturer in Britain, is on show in the exhibition in the main gallery 'Bardfield and Beyond: A Working Landscape'. Ploughs and other farm...
Work of the month
Work of the Month: Ives Farm by Edward Bawden
Edward Bawden CBE, RA, RDI (1903 - 1989) Ives Farm, Great Bardfield 1956, Linocut Edward and Charlotte Bawden moved to Brick House in Great Bardfield in 1932 sharing the house with Eric and Tirzah Ravilious. Ives Farm backed onto the garden at Brick House. This...
Work of the month: Black House by Anne Rothenstein
Painting and collage Anne Rothenstein is the daughter of Michael and Duffy Rothenstein and was brought up in Great Bardfield with her brother Julian. The exhibition Great Bardfield and Beyond: A Working Landscape includes 4 of Anne's works, including one rarely-seen...
Work of the month: Iron Bridge at Ewenbridge
Watercolour on paper, 1942 One of the highlights of the forthcoming exhibition 'Great Bardfield and beyond: a working landscape' is Eric Ravilious's 1942 watercolour of the iron footbridge over the river Pant at Ewenbridge, near Shalford. The successor to the bridge...
Exhibitions
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Visiting us
Opening Times
The Gallery is open in 2024 from Sunday 7th April to Sunday 27th 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
