Art / News
World-renowned Bristol photographer Martin Parr dies aged 73
Documentary photographer, photojournalist and photobook collector Martin Parr has died at the age of 73.
Born in Surrey in 1952, Parr moved to Bristol with his wife, Susan Mitchell, and their daughter, Ellen, in the 1980s.
The prolific photographer was known for his fly-on-the-wall and often provocative pictures of British life, publishing more than 130 photobooks over a nearly 50-year career on subjects such as tourism, consumerism and class.
In recent years, he became a keen chronicler of Bristol Pride, which culminated in a major exhibition at Bristol Museum showcasing candid photos of the LGBTQ+ celebration.
His recent memoir, Utterly Lazy and Inattentive, finally turned his attention to himself and was recently discussed by Parr at Clifton Litfest.
Parr died on Saturday at his Bristol home after being diagnosed with cancer in May 2021.
At his exhibition of Bristol Pride photos, Martin Parr told Bristol 24/7 that photography is “a great vehicle for communication” – photo: Martin Parr
In 2014, Parr launched the Paintworks-based Martin Parr Foundation which housed his own photo archive as well as his vast collection of British and Irish photography from other artists.
A spokesperson for the studio said: “It is with great sadness that we announce that Martin Parr (1952-2025) died yesterday at home in Bristol.
“He is survived by his wife Susie, his daughter Ellen, his sister Vivien and his grandson George. The family ask for privacy at this time.
“The Martin Parr Foundation and Magnum Photos will work together to preserve and share Martin’s legacy.
“More information on this will follow in due course. Martin will be greatly missed.”
Main photo: Elliot Caunce
Read next:
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
