THE MARTIN PARR COLLECTION

Such sad news to learn of the death of Martin on Saturday December 6th.

Somehow I think I believed that Martin would always be there. He had the most extraordinary drive and energy, and such an enthusiasm for everything he was involved in. He was such a force of nature. And yet he always had time for others, time to look at the work of other photographers and give advice, time to chat, time to let anyone and everyone take selfies with him. And, almost always, with a gentleness, a warmth and a smile, no matter what pressure he himself was under.

I knew Martin for over 40 years, probably even longer as I think I first met him briefly in 1976/77 when I exhibited his chimney pots photos at a gallery I ran in Bury, North Manchester. We met again in the mid 1980s, firstly when my wife, Caroline, worked for the DPA which commissioned his 1985 Salford project and then at Cornerhouse, where I was Director, for his 1986 show ‘Connections’. Shortly afterwards our publishing relationship began and over the years we worked on so many books together – and, particularly in those early days, it was all so energising and so exciting.

Martin was immensely loyal, with friendships stretching back so many years. His family, his wife Susie and his daughter Ellen, will be devastated as will all those many friends.

Martin and I were in contact several times over recent months. His energy and his enthusiasm seemed undiminished. We were looking to the future, working on a new, revised edition of ‘Autoportrait’ as well as planning a special 40th anniversary facsimile edition of ‘The Last Resort’, the book that helped to launch his career when he self-published it back in 1986.

Martin has gone but the Foundation he set up remains and his work and his unerring commitment to photography and photographers will live on for many generations.

Thank you for everything Martin.

.....................................................................................................................................

Country

Special Offers

Country

Special Offers

Country

Country