The Museum of Somerset in collaboation with The Court Gallery is delighted to announce the opening of ‘A Life in Art: Roger Fry’ a major new exhibition exploring the life, work and influence of one of the most important figures in 20th‑century British art. The exhibition comes to the Museum from Charleston, Sussex, home of the Bloomsbury Group. It is open Saturday 28 March to 4 July 2026.
Roger Fry (1866–1934) was a curator, critic, painter and designer, who transformed British art. He was a member of the Bloomsbury Group, the influential circle of artists, writers and thinkers that included Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant. Fry’s ideas helped to reshape artistic thinking in Britain and beyond. He is perhaps best known for introducing post‑impressionist art to England. His groundbreaking exhibitions of 1910 and 1912 shocked, surprised and inspired the public and changed the direction of British art forever.
The exhibition brings together more than 40 vibrant artworks, rare loans, and never‑before‑seen pieces from private collections. This includes works by Helen Coombe (1864–1937), Fry’s wife and an accomplished artist whose work is seldom seen. The exhibition further explores Fry’s west-country connections. He was a descendant of the prominent Bristol chocolatiers, J. S. Fry & Son, and the family had a home at Failand in North Somerset.
South West Heritage Trust Exhibitions Manager Mel Coussens said: “This exhibition is further expression of our mission to bring great art to Somerset, this time working with Charleston, a place that attracted some of the 20th century’s most radical artists. Thanks to further collaboration with The Court Gallery we are delighted to be able to display work by Helen Coombe, an accomplished artist in her own right.”
‘A Life in Art: Roger Fry’ has been produced in partnership with Charleston, Sussex. It is curated by Tim Martin and supported by The Court Gallery, West Somerset.
Museum of Somerset, Taunton Castle, Castle Green, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4AA
Event details
- Saturday 16 May - Adult painting workshop in the Bloomsbury style with artist Janet Glynn Smith from GoCreate (booking required)
- Tuesday 26 and Wednesday 27 May – Family drop-in activities using fabric paints and pens to decorate a cushion or photo frame
- Thursday 28 and Friday 29 May – Family printing and collage art workshops with GoCreate (booking required)
- Thursday 4 June – ‘In Conversation’ Fiona McKenzie Johnston author of ‘Roger Fry: Bloomsbury and the Invention of Modern Art’ (Triglyph Books, May 2026) and exhibition curator Tim Martin (booking required)
- Wednesday 29 April – Curator’s Talk and Gallery Tour with Tim Martin (booking required)
