"Over the past half-century, Martin Parr (born Epsom, Surrey in 1952) has gained a reputation as one of Britain's foremost documentary photographers, publishing more than 100 photobooks and taking part in countless exhibitions. In 2017, the Martin Parr Foundation opened in his hometown of Bristol, housing his extensive archive and offering a dedicated space to celebrate the best of British and Irish photography."
"Despite his obvious legacy, Parr's career shows no signs of slowing down. On the contrary, following a cancer diagnosis in 2021, there is a sense of urgency to his activity. Parr's photographs of Bristol Pride parades are currently on display in Bristol Museum and Art Gallery (until 29 March 2026), while 2024 saw the release of Lee Shulman's warm-hearted documentary, I Am Martin Parr, which follows the photographer to several UK sites that feature in his photographs."
"Badge of honour Parr's latest publication, written in collaboration with the author and biographer Wendy Jones, takes the shape of an informal autobiography, generously illustrated with pictures spanning his career. The title, Utterly Lazy and Inattentive: Martin Parr in Words and Pictures, comes from a comment in a school report, a phrase Parr now wears as a badge of honour. In fact, far from idle, the young Parr was an avid birdwatcher, trainspotter and enthusiastic collector: the latter trait has endured well into his seventies."
Martin Parr has built a half-century career as a leading British documentary photographer, publishing more than 100 photobooks and exhibiting widely. The Martin Parr Foundation in Bristol houses his extensive archive and provides a dedicated space for British and Irish photography. Parr's vivid, satirical images skewering mass tourism and consumer culture are instantly recognisable for their wry humour and focus on everyday oddness. A 2021 cancer diagnosis has added a sense of urgency to his activity, with current exhibitions including Bristol Pride photographs on display through March 2026. Longstanding collecting habits and photographic curiosity continue to shape his work and output.
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