Ella Fry facts for kids

Ella Fry (born Robinson) was a talented artist and musician. She lived from 1916 to 1997. Ella also led the Art Gallery of Western Australia in Perth for many years. She was the chairperson from 1976 to 1986. Ella was born in Brisbane in 1916. She went to Brisbane Girls Grammar School. In 1934, she started working as an apprentice. She learned about art at a company that made commercial art.

Early Life and Studies

Ella loved both art and music. She studied art at East Sydney Technical College. This was from 1936 to 1939. At the same time, she studied music. She went to the Sydney Conservatorium of Music from 1936 to 1940.

In 1940, Ella moved back to Brisbane. There, she worked as an artist. She was also a pianist. She performed music on the ABC radio. She also played in concerts. From 1943, she taught music and art. She taught at the Tamworth Church of England Girls' School.

Life in Perth

In 1945, Ella married Melville Leonard Fry. Two years later, they moved to Perth. In Perth, she continued her two careers. She kept working as an artist and a musician.

In the early 1950s, Ella and her husband lived in Dalkeith. Later, they moved to Boya. This town is in the hills east of Perth. In August 1951, her art was shown. It was part of an exhibition at the Claude Hotchin Galleries in Perth. In 1960, she had her own art show. This was at the Skinner Galleries in Perth.

Ella became very involved with the Art Gallery of Western Australia. She was first asked to join its Board in 1956. Later, she became the vice-chairperson in 1970. Then, in 1976, she became the chairperson. This meant she was in charge of the gallery.

In 1984, Ella Fry published a book. It was called Gallery Images. In 1994, the Gomboc Gallery showed her work. This gallery is in Middle Swan, Western Australia.

Ella's artwork is kept in many important places. These include the National Gallery of Australia. Her art is also at the Queensland Art Gallery. The Art Gallery of Western Australia has her work too. The Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery at the UWA also owns her art. Many other universities and private collections have her pieces.

Ella Fry passed away in 1997.

Awards and Recognition

In 1982, Ella Fry received a special award. She was given a CBE. This award is for people who have done great things. She received it for her important work in the arts.