The Fry Art Gallery.
A charming, free-to-visit gallery tucked off Castle Street, home to the North West Essex Collection of 20th-century art. Discover work by Edward Bawden, Eric Ravilious and the Great Bardfield artists, open seasonally from spring to autumn.
A little about The Fry Art Gallery.
The Fry Art Gallery is a small but remarkable gallery tucked away in a lane off Castle Street, just a short walk from the centre of Saffron Walden. It's an Accredited Museum, recognised by Arts Council England, and admission is free.
The gallery is home to the North West Essex Collection, more than 3,000 works by nationally significant artists who lived or worked in the area during the 20th century and beyond. The collection includes paintings, prints, books, artists' scrapbooks, ceramics, wallpapers and decorative designs, with a particular focus on the artists who worked in and around Great Bardfield in the mid-20th century, including Edward Bawden, Eric Ravilious, Michael Rothenstein and John Aldridge.
Each season brings a changing programme of exhibitions drawn from the collection, alongside talks, workshops and events. Visitors regularly praise the friendly, knowledgeable volunteers, and there's a lovely selection of cards and gifts to take home.
The gallery has step-free access. The nearest public car park is Swan Meadow, a five-minute walk away, and Blue Badge holders can use the residents' parking spaces on Castle Street.