The Fry Art Gallery — Attraction in Uttlesford

I specifically booked a days coach excursion from Suffolk to visit the gallery to see the present exhibition to learn more about the Bardfield Group, artists and history. Time was limited 6hrs but I had a fantastic time.

A great welcome from such friendly, kind and knowledgable staff. Enthusiasm exuded from all and turned it into such a joyous and memorable time. I was fortunate to have met the founder of the gallery, family members and unexpectedly the amazing Mark Hearld too. I will be in awe of that moment of serendipity for some time to come…

Normally I wouldn’t choose to visit any gallery on a Saturday but I’m sight impaired with many hidden disabilities and struggle to recall or remember the simplest of facts or names. Visually and if possible the tactile is so important to me. I get so much pleasure seeing people of all ages enjoying the experience too but the noise generated by others and the energy it takes me to focus on the displays can reduce the time I can actually concentrate without hitting a brick wall and break away for a walk. So I have little choice but to rely on any mode of public to get me to my chosen destination.

I cannot remember a time when my life has not been full of art and craft. Therapy in its purest form. Everyone was so empathetic and patient as I swayed around the glorious exploration of colour and textures. I especially loved the way the Saturday Books had been displayed and the mix of the personal treasures with the other display collections. I smiled when I returned home and could actually see to read the leaflet that states the average visitor spends between thirty and sixty minutes. If there had been an armchair in a corner, a key to the cabinets I would still be engrossed in those Saturday books…

I hope to return later in the season for a longer midweek visit but until then I have some super inspirational books and cards that ‘spoke’ to me and felt I could not leave behind and wonder how the most simple everyday belongings could evoke so much detail from the artists. I will never look at my watering can again without remembering my visit to the Fry Ary Gallery and its passionate band of volunteers…

This may be a bit of a ramble but if you have a family member, friend or anyone that has physical disabilities hidden or not please encourage them to visit the Fry Art Gallery or any gallery because art and craft is for all whatever our capabilities are.

We are all capable of producing our own masterpieces if we all have the courage to pick up a pencil or brush cut a few scraps of paper up, sticking them together challenging societies perception of ‘normal’ whatever that is or...

What a wonderful place. Fans of Edward Bawden should make this a place of pilgrimage as not only can you see a superb collection of his paintings, prints and designs but you can also view his sketch books, film posters and his personal effects such as his palette and paints as he left them.

Once you've had your fill a walk in the quite frankly magnificent gardens will end your visit on a beautifully fragrant note as the scent of roses fills the air.

Saffron Walden is a really pleasant town and if you're fortunate enough to visit in hot sunny weather (as we were) then a day out at the Fry and wandering through the streets and cafés should be enough to convince you that England can (sometimes) be pretty much the best place on...

I've known about this gallery for many years but didn't visit until this summer when doing personal research around Saffron Walden. The gallery holds the most amazing collection of Edward Bawden and Eric Ravilious art. In fact it is packed with so much it is a little overwhelming. I spent a couple of hours on a warm day and found it difficult to spend any more time in there as I couldn't breathe very well. I will certainly go back and choose a cooler day and spend time absorbing all the beautiful things they have to show... It is very inspiring and just amazing that all the work relates to the countryside around...