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Martin Parr, chronicler of British life, passes away
Renowned documentary photographer Martin Parr has died at 73, the Martin Parr Foundation confirmed on Sunday. He passed away at his Bristol home on Saturday, surrounded by family.
Family requests privacy
The foundation announced his death in a statement, expressing that Parr would be "greatly missed." He is survived by his wife Susie, daughter Ellen, sister, and grandson. The family has asked for privacy during this time.
A legacy of vivid storytelling
Parr gained prominence in the mid-1980s with The Last Resort, a series capturing working-class holidaymakers in New Brighton, Merseyside. His work stood out for its sharp, often humorous observations of everyday British life, blending satire with social commentary.
"I make serious photographs disguised as entertainment. I try to point out when I find universal truths."
Martin Parr, speaking to The Architectural Review in 2020
Challenging perceptions through colour
For over five decades, Parr documented the rituals and quirks of British society-from fading seaside towns to village fêtes and shopping centres. His signature style used bold, saturated colours reminiscent of mid-20th-century postcards, lending his images a nostalgic yet critical edge.
His New Brighton series, in particular, sparked debate by exposing the gritty realities of a struggling coastal town. Some viewers, unfamiliar with northern England's economic struggles, initially blamed Parr for the scenes of litter and decay rather than the systemic issues they reflected.
"People from London and the South East didn't know what places in the North looked like. The litter was terrible, but they weren't used to it-so it was almost like it was my fault the place looked scruffy."
Parr, reflecting on the controversy in 2025
A voice for satire in turbulent times
In a recent interview with AFP, Parr warned that the world needs the kind of sharp social critique found in his work more than ever. "The state we're all in is appalling," he said. "We're consuming too much, and it's unsustainable."
Remembering a loyal friend and visionary
Jonathan Stephenson, a longtime collaborator, described Parr's death as peaceful, saying he passed while watching football. "It was a massive privilege to engage with Martin's eyes and mind," Stephenson told the BBC. "His enthusiasm for everyday life was infectious."
