Martin Parr

From the 12/29/2025 E-Photo Newsletter:

Photographer Martin Parr, another friend who followed this newsletter with interest, also passed away recently. The British photographer died on December 6 in Bristol at the age of 74. He had reportedly been diagnosed with cancer four years ago.

Despite his brilliant English wit and his sharp takes on British life, Martin was in person always kind and a bit nerdy. He would go out of his way to help anyone he knew. While his photographs are blazing and saturated with color past any life-like representation, Martin used their full-on absurdity to puncture pompousness where ever he found it. Parr once said, "The fundamental thing I'm exploring constantly is the difference between the mythology of the place and the reality of it."

Parr was born in Epson, Surrey, England, in 1952. I will quote now from Janet Borden’s post on his passing, which was one of the best and most comprehensive bios:

Parr's early work included The Last Resort, an astounding view of the then-decaying beach town of Brighton. Lurid cheerful color was in stark contrast to the blowing trash and squalid beaches. The casual decrepitude belied a strong formal approach.

Subsequent projects included The Cost of Living, Small World, Luxury, Common Sense, Fashion Faux Parr. He produced over one hundred photo books throughout his career. In 2017, the Tate acquired his collection of over 12,000 photo books. He continued to collect.

Martin Parr became a member of the Magnum Photo cooperative in 1988. He was President of Magnum in 2013-2017. His work is included in almost all public collections throughout the world.

Parr received numerous awards, including the Royal Photographic Society Centenary Medal; honorary Doctor of Arts, Manchester Metropolitan University; and the Lucie Award. Parr was awarded an Arts Medal from the Queen in 2016, and a C.B.E. in 2021.
In 2015, Parr established the Martin Parr Foundation in Bristol, collecting and exhibiting the work of British documentary photographers, including himself.

We feel so privileged at Blood Cancer UK to have had Martin and Susie's support. This photo was from the St James' Palace reception in 2025 as we embarked on the launch of our appeal. He spoke of Susie' s achievements with such pride and that will always stay with me. He will be sorely missed and I wish we could have had more time with him in this world. Martin will always be at the forefront of our minds as we continue our work.

The photography challenges that Martin ran on Instagram during the Covid lockdown changed my life. I was bubbled away from home while coming to terms with the breakdown of my marriage, and taking part in the challenges helped me recover. They gave me an artistic outlet that I'd not had since my teens, before arthritis in my hands stopped me sketching. Photography became a wonderful new hobby that brought with it a new social life that started with the online photography community following the challenges, but then grew as I discovered the warmth of the local Bristol photography community on Instagram, who became friends IRL after lockdown ended. I never really knew I had an eye before Martin had us taking photos in our bathroom (see photo), or of the inside of our fridges! It was exciting, and uplifting and often hilarious. Thank you Martin. I'll always be grateful. @BristolWench_Shooting_Stuff

Last year I was asked a series of questions to accompany a piece of work (which wasn't published in the end!) and one of them was this: Is there a specific moment you can point to that made you decide to pursue this path and how did it feel?

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When I arrived at art college in 1985 I really had no idea what kind of photographer I wanted to be. That all changed when we were set a documentary project to photograph somebody we didn’t know at work and at home which was led by Martin Parr, who was a regular visiting lecturer at West Surrey College of Art and Design. From that moment I wanted to be a documentary photographer but it took me a few more years to work out what exactly that would look like.

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I am so grateful to Martin for setting me off on this incredible career journey of almost 38 years, I love story telling and putting the world as I see it into 'rectangular boxes' more as each year passes.

Also thank you to Martin for inviting me to make work in my homeland - you built a wonderful team at the Foundation and it was an absolute pleasure to work with you all xx

Ciao Martin, la tua ironia ed il tuo modo di leggere il mondo con leggerezza, ironia e profonda umanità mi mancherà molto.
Riposa in pace e che la terra ti sia lieve.

Mauro

Martin was a member of our Thursday poker group, meeting every week for 30 years. My partner and I married on a Thursday, so it was poker as usual in the evening. Everyone turned up with flowers and cake and of course Martin with his camera, saying he'd never taken wedding photos before. What makes it, for me, a Martin picture is the tiny little cake we're just about to cut, which was smaller than the knife!

It has been marvelous working with Martin especially on the exhibition in Foam Amsterdam and the associated book Ed van der Elsken My Amsterdam in 2005.
Working so quickly and determined, while ceaselessly positive, very kind and full of humour. Martin made everything light.
I am very grateful for his large dedication to the work of Ed during several decades.
Anneke Hilhorst

I worked with Martin many times when I was at Magnum. We did some great assignments together. He was funny and kind and also made sure he took great pictures. He was very generous with his time and I will miss him

Even your tiny recognition of my work meant the world to me - thank you for inspiring us all everyday to shoot shoot shoot.

Thank you for your friendship Martin. Especially during those early formative years of enquiry, discovery, and debate, back in the 70’s. Unwittingly a remarkable time and place to begin our individual paths, where security of friendship and playfulness were essential ingredients! And that metaphorically, black and white was the most colourful way of seeing the world!
With fond memories and a big thankyou, Jenny x

Such an inspiration for the way of looking at things. And so wonderfully unassuming.
Here's my favourite shot of Martin as we photographed the St Pauls Carnival a few years ago.

In 2023, Martin sent this card to my husband, Paddy Summerfield, knowing that they were both facing the same difficult illness. BUT - whatever the surrounding struggles, PHOTOGRAPHY came first. Martin not only shone with his own work, but did so much for photography - and for photographers.

Having been a fan for a long time, I finally got to meet Martin at Henley Regatta when I literally ran into him. I joined his Foundation as a Patron, and have been to most of the exhibitions and many events. I think everyone has been amazed by how many people see him as a friend, as he did so much for so many in encouraging their photographic journey, and done quietly, without fuss. I love his advice to those starting out, urging them to get out and take more photos, and his greatest bit of advice - when it comes to what equipment to have with you................wear comfortable shoes.

My photo is Martin at Henley Royal Regatta in 2017.

Condolences to Susie, Ellen and his family. RIP Martin, and thank you for all you have done.

Martin was a great mentor, influence, and champion of my work. He didn't know me from Adam when he first saw a project of mine in my former dealer's booth at an art fair. He reached out to me and arranged to have a book done with the great publisher Chris Booth, and he connected me with Rocket, his London gallery. He included me in the Arles exhibits he curated in 2004. None of this was about power trips or commerce, it was simply to promote work that he believed in. He was generous and inspired me and many others to pay it forward. As the Brits say, Martin was a laugh (and I suspect he still is.)
(The first photo below was I had the pleasure of visiting Martin and Susie at their home in Bristol in 2006. The second next was in Arles in 2004- L to R: Mary Halpenny and her husband British photographer Chris Killip, British photography scholar Russell Roberts, my wife art historian Joan Rothfuss, Martin, and ??)

Like so many, I will miss Martin’s encouragement, support, generosity, humour, energy and enthusiasm. What a fantastic legacy he leaves behind. Photography will not be the same without him. I have learnt so much from him and because of him. I’m already finding myself thinking, ‘What would Martin do?’
Sending love, best wishes and thoughts to Martin’s family, friends and everyone at the fantastic MPF.

I loved his work. What a talent and what an eye. I bumped into him on Jamaica Street in Bristol a couple of months ago. I wondered if I should stop him on his way. I did. I told him I was a big fan of his work. He thanked me and we both went on with our day. I'm really glad I did. A sad loss.

I wrote to Martin in 2019(ish) after seeing his exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery. I wanted to let him know how touched my, then boyfriend (now husband) and I were at seeing his Black Country portraits - in particular the father and son steel chain makers - and that it was the first time any kind of 'art' had touched either of us (beyond thinking "ooh that's a nice painting/photograph/sculpture"). At the time I worked on an oil tanker, and I told Martin all about the British able seamen I sailed with in my letter. I didn't expect any reply, I just wanted to share my experiences with working in the industry and how I thought they'd be a good subject matter for him to photograph. Martin blew me away by replying to my letter and showed a great interest in wanting to photograph the lads onboard. Unfortunately it wasn't to be, COVID happened and then I left the industry. But I never forgot the kindness Martin showed me in taking the time to reply to my letter (long and rambly as it was). I will miss his work and his ability to capture people and "Britishness" - whether that would be interpreted positively or negatively.

Martin Parr - the mostly kind and sharp looking eye in so many directions. Great sense of humour and an amazing observer of absurdity of life. We have never met Him, but feel like we lost a dear friend. Hopefully His legacy will be preserved through His enormous photographic legacy, people He met and who admired Him and through the Foundation. He was rare breed who shared his life and knowledge with other photographers. That is worth to remember. To be kind and share. Thank you!

I only met Martin a few times, but every encounter stayed with me. He was always generous with his time, open in sharing ideas, and quietly encouraging. His work has been one of my main photographic influences, shaping how I see and think about the world through a camera. I’m grateful for those brief moments and for the lasting inspiration of his work.

I'll never forget walking around Arles and bumping into Martin Parr. I told him I had a gift for him, to which he replied "that's so kind". Thank you for everything Sir <3

Thank you Martin for keeping me creative and semi-sane throughout lockdown with your weekly photo challenges. Your work will remain of great inspiration to me, and I will always treasure my signed copy of 'Small World'. My condolences to Martin's family, friends and to the foundation.

Our condolances to Martins family and everybody at the Foundation : he will be dearly missed.
His work has given us enormous pleasure over the years : not only at all the exhibitions we've seen, but every morning looking up from our breakfast table one of his photos is sure to produce a smile on our faces.
In his honour we made a little Cjhristmas commemoration - which we hope he would have liked.
All over the world people have made clear how much they liked Martin - we hope this may comfort you in these sad times.
Stijntje and Jaap Smallenburg, the Netherlands

The work of Martin Parr was unrivalled. A true photography icon and from what I've heard a true gentleman too. So much of my own photography and love for the medium is thanks to the influence of Martin's wonderful photos.

Martin Parr changed the way I see everyday's life, with its unpredictable and ironic pieces. Hugs and love to the family and friends.

Since 2015 when I discovered Martin’s wonderful work at the age of 17, I have packed my point and shoot in my bag every single day. 10 years on, and now 27 years of age, he continues to be my inspiration for capturing my life. Although he has passed, he will continue to feed that inspiration until I am old and grey. Rest in peace legend. ❤️

I soooo very much loved Martins work. It was his book that opened my eyes with interest when I started my arts degree. I still have the book and cherish it and so glad I got to go and watch the short film
About him recently. God bless a special man xx

My dear mentor your presence will be missed, always, also you will be alive within me, all along. Will miss you.
Love and hugs,
Debs

I only met Martin a handful of times but was always friendly and interested in Handsworth Self Portrait. The last time was only a few months ago at talk he did at the Mac Birmingham to a full house and a signing afterwards. RIP Martin. First picture at the signing and the second with Dewi Lewis at the launch of the Blast! Photo Festival in West Bromwich in 2019.

In our twenties we used to visit New Brighton with friends. We would go to the cafe Martin photographed and have fish and chips with a cup of tea and bread and butter. All post university and pretty broke it was a great day out. We are now all in our late sixties and Martin’s photographs evoke so many memories for us. Louise and Michael and all the friends that accompanied us.

martin es mi modelo a seguir y lo voy a extrañar

A never-ending inspiration.
Thank you for changing the way we look at the world.

Rest in peace 🤍

Thank you for everything. You and your photographs were wonderful.

We will never forget the couple days we spent with you last year Martin. Your kindness, humor and love for life and everyone and everything around you will always inspire us immensely. Thank you for everything. Andreas & Stathis

I will always remember the time I got to spend in your company, Martin.

Thank you for inviting me and so many others into your world and creating such a beautiful and welcoming community of like minded people.

We never had the opportunity for a proper chat just between us (there was always a long line of people looking for one) but I loved photographing shoulder to shoulder with you in the street, learning from your honest and direct feedback, the chance to hang my pics alongside yours in the Arnolfini, admiring your Mao telephone at MPF, laughing along with you at the BOP pub quiz, and getting to know so many of your wonderful photographer friends.

Rest in photography big man! We will miss you

Mike

I am eternally inspired by you.

Martin I will always remember your kindness and generosity. One short email was all it took for you to respond—within half a hour!—positively to my request for an exhibition at my then-newly established gallery. Later that year you visited my booth at Photo London and invited me to your exhibition. I’m proud to have known and worked with you. Thank you! RIP

I first discovered Martin Parr's work while studying for my Photography GCSE several years ago. He has remained my favourite photographer ever since. His insight into the everyday changed how I viewed the spaces and people around me, and seeing his work was the first time I felt truly inspired.

Martin, you are one of the reasons I started taking photographs and your work has inspired me and given me so much direction! Gone but not forgotten, a legacy that will live on forever.

Your witty, creative, intriguing photography has always captured my imagination. I’m obsessed with street photography & you were the best to ever do it, Martin Parr. Thank you for giving your gift to the world & thank you for showing us how it’s done. P.S It’s so cool & heartwarming to see that you were a super kind human too. 🪽🪽

Thanks you so much for your incredible work about popular people. I met you last month at Paris for your biography book . I will keep a picture of you make à joke !

Dear Fellow Light Travellers,

First met Martin at PHOTO London in 2018, where I gave a lecture "Back to The Future: the Avant-Garde is An Address" sponsored by the Hundred Heroines platform, then supported by the Royal Photographic Society (RPS); now a separate organization (www.hundredheorines.org).

RPS is located in Bristol, where I went to give another lecture after PHOTO London, asking Martin if he would be there; he said no.

He did let his team know I was coming to visit the Martin Parr Foundation, made sure I was given a tour, which was fantastic.

His pictures contain humor and humanity, his sense of color extraordinary as they are distinctive in his camera vision, filling the "picture frame". He was warm and friendly, with a great British accent!

I have met many great photographers and artists in my life so far. When I do, no matter who, where or when, my memory - my super-power - does a rewind and a play-back, especially when they leave us.

It is with my deepest sympathy to our photographic community, our fellow light travellers, his family and friends, may he rest in peace.

Yours -
Ellen

www.ellencareyphotography.com

Wikipedia
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'I'm being interviewed by a Geographer!' exclaimed Martin, with joint enthusiasm and surprise. It was 2002 and he was talking to his daughter in the next door room, as I sat opposite him in his Bristol home. A wonderful comfort blanket of a home that reflected his unique curiosity and love of life.

I was a Geographer studying at The University of Bristol, feeling somewhat overwhelmed by a 12,000 word dissertation on Englishness, national identity and the role of the image. In fact, it was all really about Martin and the impact of his work. I re-read my interview with him the other day for the first time in 20 years. I have one paper copy, and thankfully kept it.

Oh, Martin. You found the light(ness) didn't you. You found the light in people, and the ludicrousness of it all. You were so interested you even managed to turn the interview on me. And consider this. Like so many, I thought he was a cultural legend. So imagine my horror when, mid interview, I....burped. A 20 yr old student burping in front of an icon. And, guess what? He found it HILARIOUS. Much to my relief given I was ready to crawl under the table with embarrassment. 'For the record, the interviewer just burped! And its a woman!'. I appreciate it's a trivial insight. But, actually, despite writing 12,000 words on Martin and his lens on English national identity, this is what matters. He is a man who succeeded at life not simply because he was great with a camera. He was great at being a human.

Thank you Martin for showing us the way 💫.

Life update - the Geographer is now an artist.

Big hugs at those Pearly Gates. Send pics x

My friend Parr, when I first encountered your work, I couldn't understand what you were trying to convey, but it intrigued me. I found it quite meaningless, but something wouldn't leave my head; it was unsettling, and I began to study you in depth and discovered a great master of photography. You, even without ever knowing me, taught me so much, opened my mind to photography, and broadened my work. I am a big fan of yours and will continue to study your work. Thank you so much! A hug from your friend here in Brazil and a big fan! Rodrigo Campanario @rcampanario

Hello Mr Parr. I’d just like to say thank you for all that you’ve done for the photography world. You’ve inspired me greatly since I was a little boy and seeing you pass away honestly made me quite sad. I hope to see you one day sir. Thank you for everything.

Faz hoje uma semana que perdemos Martin Parr, um dos meus favoritos. Reparei nele numa altura que recortava imagens de revistas para fazer capas de cassetes! Mais tarde passou-me o livro da phaidon (que aqui revisito) pelas mãos e não descansei enquanto não o tive na minha biblioteca. Já lá vão 20 e tal anos!! Long live Martin Parr!!! Forever and ever !!! Um dos GRANDES!! Obrigado! Rest in peace. E se te apetecer, que tenhas um kodak de 36 infinitos para a lot of pictures in heaven! Dezembro 2025 Faz hoje uma semana que perdemos Martin Parr, um dos meus favoritos. Reparei nele numa altura que recortava imagens de revistas para fazer capas de cassetes! Mais tarde passou-me o livro da phaidon (que aqui revisito) pelas mãos e não descansei enquanto não o tive na minha biblioteca. Já lá vão 20 e tal anos!! Long live Martin Parr!!! Forever and ever !!! Um dos GRANDES!! Obrigado! Rest in peace. E se te apetecer, que tenhas um kodak de 36 infinitos para a lot of pictures in heaven! 13 Dezembro 2025

The art world has lost a giant. I discovered Martins work in 1990 on foundation and he influenced my practice so much - humour, honesty and with a very British lens. I had to he honour of meeting him and telling him about the portrait dolls I make and that I’d like to make one of him- when he received it he kindly send this photo. Condolences to his family and friends - I can’t imagine the pain as it’s affected those of us who only know his work so much

Martin Parr, who died two days before the 45th anniversary of the death of John Lennon. Many of us will remember where we were on the day of the 8th of December 1980 and we will recall that sense of disbelief and disorientation as we tried to come to terms with the loss of someone who had been such a central figure of our lives, an individual who shaped and changed the cultural landscape forever. The loss of Martin feels no less significant. Much has been written over the weekend about Martin’s extraordinary talent and drive but also many have spoken of the man himself, of his curiosity and wit, his generosity and unflinching loyalty. Show me a “successful” photographer and I guarantee Martin will have played a part in their story. He certainly helped me and many, many more of my contemporaries. I first met Martin when I was a student on the documentary course at Newport in 1982 and he was a visiting tutor and we remained friends for 40+ years. It wasn’t always easy, as his criticism pulled no punches, but you always knew that he had your back. Thank you for looking after us Martin. X

I have always felt that Martin was a special photographer and a very special kind of person. It says much about photography that this was the case.

I met him several times, latterly telling him how remarkable he was to keep so active and so engaged and getting about everywhere. Because he was and did. All over!

In 2018, I sent a copy of my first hopeful, imperfect dummy Blurb photobook (of the Essex coast) to him at the Foundation. It arrived on the Monday morning. That same day, at 6pm, I received an email from him.

“HI Jonathan
Thanks for sending the book, which I enjoyed. If there is a fault [I had sought honest feedback], maybe too much long lenses and a bit camera club in you.
I know the territory well as last summer I did a project on the same cast , mainly Southend, and Clacton, which will be at the National Maritime Museum next March.
Of course you book has gone into our library.
Martin Parr”

So pleasant, constructive and honest (he was absolutely correct). I felt inspired by his support and positivity, and decided maybe I could actually be a documentary photographer. And I did.

What a legacy he leaves. He will stay with us.

Bless you, Martin. You gave us so much. Thank you.

I will miss your view of the world. As an admirer for many years, you taught me to see the world around us differently, and to find originality in the everyday. Thank you. My thoughts are with the Martin Parr Foundation and his family.

Martin Parr photographic work inspired me to be pretty much photographically active every day of my life, and I know I’m not the only one that feels like this.
Although I’m not a religious nor ritualistic person, the day I knew of his death I put three little candles around the flash that I have used the most during these past 9 years. I thought it was a nice image to put candles to a flash in Martin Parr’s memory and that he would have liked this strange idea 📸

My first contact with the photographs of Martin Parr was through a summary of British Photography in an Arts Council publication titled Three Perspectives On Photography, with a forward by Paul Hill. Parr’s depiction of Coop Mill in Hebden Bridge was a subject that intrigued me so I paid a visit to HB to seek out the building and photograph it myself only in good weather as opposed to Parr’s Bad Weather. I’ve followed his career ever since so his passing has been one of sadness and a degree of shock ( I wasn’t aware of his cancer). I hope his foundation continues to provide a pathway for photographers to reveal their work.

We took some of the graphic students from Bath Spa University to the foundation for a tour, they were so excited to see the archive.
It was an inspiring and memorable trip. Martin was so amazing with the students, super friendly and so helpful
and informative. He happily signed catalogues and even some of their point and shoot cameras they had with them.
A very special artist who will be truly missed.

Hello Martin I hope you’re doing well wherever you are, I’m sure it is colorful and beautiful. Thank you for everything you did for the world of photography.
You will be missed and remembered

Your work inspired me and so many other photographers in the world so deeply. I truly love your sense of humor in your work, make me feel lighter about life everytime I look at your photographs. You truly were my favorite photographer in the world and I will continue to shoot and look for my own sense of humor. Thank you for leaving us with the tremendous work that will continue to inspire us. Rest in peace, Martin.

Heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Martin Parr. I was very honoured to meet & be photographed by him for King Charles’s Jubilee. We even had a conversation about the sneaker scene! May he rest well xx

I’m 17 years old and Study art and art history and Martin Parr has been a huge inspiration for me and my work. I first discovered Martin during my GCSE project where I researched him and his work. I love his style and his photos so much and he played a huge part in my work and helping guide my project.

I’m now doing art as well as photography and continue to get more inspiration from Martin all the time. I was lucky enough to be able to see him speak in October and loved being able to get an insight into his mind and how he creates his work.

He is one of the greatest modern photographers and was a pioneer in his style. Martin and his work will forever be remembered and continue to be an inspiration to young artists and aspiring photographers.

Martin, was my inspiration for becoming a photographer, I went to uni to study contemporary lens media and specialised in photography where I used to do my own ‘Martin Parr’ shots and seaside resort shoots. I then did my whole dissertation on Martin Parr, 10 thousand words exploring Britishness within Martin Parts works discussing his wit and humour. I then had the privilege to meet him last year and I saw his film earlier this year. He has always been my inspiration. I am truely gutted to hear his lost. May Martin Parr live within our hearts and humour. RIP ❤️

Its so grateful that i saw your works coincidentally on ig page, and at first sight i thought it was so cool like kinda my type of things thank you to create and leave some precious artwork for this industry

Thank you for years of inspiration. Safe travels!

I've known Martin since 1973-4 when he was fresh out of Manchester Poly and already busy, looking about, looking about. The memories are a flood that goes on and on. As well as the gift of friendship and humour, Martin changed my professional life, literally knocking on my door and drawing me first into journalism and then into a decade of photographic writing, curating, and gallery-directing. I feel blessed to have known him, and also his partner Susie. Any tribute to Martin is also a tribute to her, their lives and creativity intertwined.
Susie and Ellen - we are thinking of you.
Rob Powell and Di Gomery