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 month: Design for Ivanhoe by Olga Lehmann
Ink & watercolour on paper, 1981 This is a sketch done by Olga Lehmann of a costume for the character Rebecca, played by Olivia Hussey, in a TV film adaptation of Ivanhoe, first shown in the UK in September 1982. The production featured a number of well-known...
Work of the month: Autumn by Edward Bawden
Lino print on paper, 1950 A typically ebullient and Bardfield-themed picture this month from Edward Bawden. As well as showing off Bawden's graphical skill, the print demonstrates how he used a simple colour palette to bring an image to life. This seasonal linocut...
Work of the month: October by Richard Bawden
Colour Aquatint and Etching Richard Bawden works in various media including watercolour, etching, linocut and also glass engraving. He has produced illustrations for many books, as well as murals, mosaics and furniture. He is closely linked with the 'Bardfield...
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
