Photographer Martin Parr who captured British quirks in vivid detail dies aged 73

Iconic photographer Martin Parr has died at the age of 73.

Parr, became a household name for capturing the zaniness of everyday British life, died on Saturday at his home in Bristol.

An Instagram from the Martin Parr Foundation 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.’

Parr, who was known for capturing the reality of British life, rose to prominence with his 1980s collection The Last Resort, which depicted Merseyside seaside town of New Brighton.

He emerged as one of the key figures in the British New color Documentary movement but adding vivid colors and a dash of irony to elevate mundane everyday life.

He told Metro in 2019: ‘I have always been fascinated by the beach, ever since an early age.

‘I come from a family of bird watchers so we didn’t get seaside resorts, we went to marshes and creeks and estuaries – so I was immediately hooked. I remember going to Brighton as a kid and then – when I went to Manchester Polytechnic – I visited Blackpool resort and since then I’ve become addicted to beaches – not only in this country but the world over.

‘My favourite resort in the UK is Tenby and I liked it so much I went and bought a flat there, with a view over the sea.

‘I could just sit and watch the sea, it’s better than watching the TV, it just keeps on giving.

‘Anyone who gets tired of watching the sea doesn’t deserve to be alive. That’s a bit dramatic isn’t it?’

Among his other exhibitions was Only Human: Martin Parr, which was staged at the National Portrait Gallery in London in 2019 and captured the ‘social climate in the aftermath of the EU referendum’ of June 2016.

He was made a CBE in the 2021 Queen’s birthday honours for services to photography.