Fry, Ella, 1916-1997

Artist and musician, chairperson of the WA Art Gallery, 1976-1986. Born Ella Robinson in Brisbane in 1916 and educated at Brisbane Girl's Grammar School. Commenced an apprenticeship with a commercial art firm about 1934, then studied art (East Sydney Technical college 1936-1939) and music (Sydney Conservatorium 1936-1940) in Sydney. In 1940 returned to Brisbane, where she worked as an artist and a pianist (recitals with the ABC and concert performances). From 1943 taught music and art at the Tamworth Church of England Girl's School. In 1945 married Melville Leonard Fry, a banker. Two years later they moved to Perth, where her dual career continued. First appointed to the Board of the Art Gallery in Western Australia in 1956, became vice-chairperson in 1970, then chairperson in 1976. In 1982 awarded a CBE. Her work is represented in the National Gallery of Australia, Queensland Art Gallery and the Art Gallery of Western Australia, as well as numerous university, regional and private collections. She died in Perth on 17 May 1997.