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
New Acquisition – Alan Spencer Green pottery
Ceramics by Alan Spencer Green, Potter, 1932 - 2003 From time to time, the Fry is lucky enough to be given works by North West Essex artists to add to its collection. The latest offering is a wonderful collection of vases, dishes and lidded pots made by Alan Spencer...
Eric Ravilious – Drawn To War: cinema release
A further chance to see Margy Kinmonth's compelling account of the life and career of Eric Ravilious on the big screen. Picturehouse is showing the film across 22 of its cinemas nationwide on 2 September 2024, with Q&A screenings. Ai Weiwei, Grayson Perry, Alan...
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...
Work of the month
Work of the Month: Fry Sale Pictures
We have a huge variety of paintings, prints, ceramics, sculpture, textile and jewellery at this year's Fry Gallery Annual Sale. Here is a small selection of pictorial highlights from Rosie Philips, Michael Rothenstein, Edward Bawden and Mark Hearld. There are many...
Work of the Month: The Potato Field by Eric Ravilious
The Potato Field, Watercolour PC3037 on loan from a private collector Only four weeks left to enjoy a number of Eric Ravilious's delicate watercolours, along with works by fellow artists from Great Bardfield, before the Fry closes for the season at the end of October....
Work of the Month: Still Life with Anemones and Fruit by Charles Mahoney
Still Life with Anemones and Fruit, Oil on Board Charles Mahoney (1903 - 1968) found his own earthly paradise at Oak Cottage at Wrotham in Kent, and spent the greater part of his life there. The apples and plums depicted in this still life were likely the fruits of...
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.
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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
