Roger Fry Blue Plaque

About This Blue Plaque

Roger Fry (1866-1934) was a pivotal figure in the British art world of the early 20th century. Born into a prominent Quaker family, Fry initially studied science at Cambridge before turning to art. He became a renowned art critic, championing the Post-Impressionists and introducing their works to a skeptical British public through ground-breaking exhibitions in 1910 and 1912.

In addition to his influence as a critic, Fry was a talented artist in his own right. From 1913 to 1919, he ran the Omega Workshops from this very building at 33 Fitzroy Square in London’s Borough of Westminster. The Workshops were an experimental design collective that produced innovative furniture, textiles, ceramics, and other decorative arts. Fry believed in erasing distinctions between fine and applied arts, and the Omega Workshops embodied this ideal.

Fry’s impact extended beyond Britain, as he forged connections with key figures like Matisse and Picasso during his frequent travels to France. His perceptive writings helped shape the way we understand modern art today. Fry was a central member of the influential Bloomsbury Group of intellectuals, known for their unconventional lifestyles and progressive views.

Westminster, where Fry lived and worked, has long been a hub of artistic and cultural activity. The elegant Georgian townhouses of Fitzroy Square have housed many notable residents over the centuries. Take a stroll through the tranquil square and envision the lively discussions of art and philosophy that once took place within these walls, spearheaded by the brilliant Roger Fry.