THE art of Roger Fry will be the focus of a new exhibition in Taunton.

The Museum of Somerset will host A Life in Art: Roger Fry, which explores the life, work and influence of one of the most important figures in 20th‑century British art, from March 28 until July 4.

Somerset welcomes the display from Charleston, Sussex, home of the Bloomsbury Group.

Fry (1866–1934) was a curator, critic, painter and designer, who transformed British art.

A member of the influential Bloomsbury Group, which included artists, writers and thinkers such as Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, Fry’s ideas helped reshape artistic thinking in Britain and beyond.

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.

The exhibition brings together more than 40 artworks, rare loans, and never‑before‑seen pieces from private collections, including works by Helen Coombe (1864–1937), Fry’s wife and an accomplished artist whose work is seldom seen.

It also explores Fry’s west-country connections, as he was a descendant of the prominent Bristol chocolatiers, JS Fry & Son, and the family had a home at Failand, 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.”

Visitors are encouraged to book online in advance via museumofsomerset.org.uk. Tickets cost £4 in advance or £5 on the door.

The Museum will also host a series of related events, including an evening talk, gallery tour and creative workshops for adults and children.

• Wednesday, April 29: Curator’s Talk and Gallery Tour with Tim Martin (booking required)
• Saturday, May 16: Adult painting workshop in the Bloomsbury style with artist Janet Glynn Smith from GoCreate (booking required)
• Tuesday and Wednesday, May 26 and 27: Family drop-in activities using fabric paints and pens to decorate a cushion or photo frame
• Thursday and Friday, May 28 and 29: Family printing and collage art workshops with GoCreate (booking required)
• Thursday, June 4: In Conversation with Fiona McKenzie Johnston, author of Roger Fry: Bloomsbury and the Invention of Modern Art and exhibition curator Tim Martin (booking required)

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