Photographer Martin Parr dies at 73

Photographer Martin Parr, whose colorful images captured British life, has died aged 73.

He died on Saturday at his home in Bristol, Martin Parr Foundation director Jenni Smith told BBC News.

In a statement, the foundation said he “will be greatly missed” and that he was survived by his wife Susie, daughter Ellen, sister and grandson. He added that the family asked for privacy.

The documentary photographer rose to prominence in the mid-1980s with The Last Resort: his study of working-class people holidaying in New Brighton, Merseyside.

Parr’s works were known for capturing the smallest details of everyday life. His photographs were fun and had humor, but they also provoked debate and discussion.

“I make serious photographs disguised as entertainment,” he told The Architectural Review in 2020.

“I try to point out when I find universal truths. Truth is subjective, but it is the world as I found it.”

Jonathan Stephenson, who collaborated on art and design projects with Parr over the years, told BBC News that he died peacefully watching football, adding that he was “a firm and loyal friend.”

“It was an enormous privilege, and continually inspiring, to interact with Martin’s eyes and mind,” he said. “Martin’s enthusiasm for everyday life was contagious.”