Martin Parr, Val Williams

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Beautiful and neat copy
Paperback, 2006
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This substantial 354-page monograph presents the definitive overview of Martin Parr's career from the 1970s through 2006. Val Williams, with unlimited access to Parr's archives and extensive interviews, charts the photographer's evolution from early black-and-white documentary work in Yorkshire to his internationally acclaimed color photography that satirizes British consumer culture.

The book features over 600 images, including selections from Parr's most significant projects: The Last Resort (documenting New Brighton's seaside decline), The Cost of Living (exploring 1980s materialism), and Think of England (examining British identity). Previously unpublished photographs and early work provide new insights into Parr's development as an artist.

Key Features

• Comprehensive coverage of Parr's entire career through 2006
• Previously unpublished material from his personal archives
• Special appendix showcasing Parr's collections of ephemera and postcards
• Critical analysis by respected photography historian Val Williams
• High-quality reproduction of color and black-and-white photographs

Historical Context and Impact

Published in 2006 by Phaidon Press, this monograph coincided with major retrospective exhibitions of Parr's work across Europe. The book appeared during a period when documentary photography was gaining recognition in fine art contexts, with Parr leading this transition through his membership in the prestigious Magnum Photos agency since 1994.

Parr's work documented the transformation of British society during the Thatcher era and beyond, capturing the rise of consumer culture, mass tourism, and changing class dynamics. His satirical approach challenged traditional documentary photography conventions, influencing a generation of photographers to adopt more subjective, critical perspectives.

Over the author

Val Williams is a distinguished photography historian, curator, and writer based in London. Since 2005, she has served as Professor of the History and Culture of Photography at the University of the Arts London and was Director of the Photography and the Archive Research Centre (PARC) at London College of Communication.

Professional Credentials

• Academic Position: Professor at University of the Arts London
• Editorial Role: Editor of the Journal of Photography & Culture
• Curatorial Experience: Exhibitions at Tate Britain, V&A, and National Media Museum
• Specialization: Women photographers and contemporary British photography

Notable Publications

• Martin Parr: Photographic Works (Phaidon, 2001)
• Derek Ridgers: Street and Club Photographs
• Anna Fox: Photographs (Photoworks, 2007)
• Regular contributions to Eye magazine and The Independent

Williams has worked extensively on histories of women photographers since the 1980s and co-curated the 2007 exhibition "How We Are" at Tate Britain.

Critical Reception

The book received widespread acclaim from photography critics and collectors. Reviewers praised Williams' insightful analysis and the comprehensive scope of the retrospective. The monograph was recognized as the definitive publication on Parr's work, with critics noting its success in contextualizing his provocative imagery within broader social and artistic movements.

Photography publications highlighted the book's value as both an art historical document and a visual survey of late 20th-century British culture. The inclusion of previously unseen early work provided new perspectives on Parr's artistic development and influences.

About Martin Parr (1952-2025)

Martin Parr (20 May 1952 - 7 December 2025) was born in Epsom, Surrey, and became one of Britain's most influential documentary photographers. He studied photography at Manchester Polytechnic from 1970-1973 and developed an international reputation for his innovative imagery and oblique approach to social documentary.

Career Highlights

• Magnum Photos member since 1994
• Guinness World Record holder for largest simultaneous photography exhibition (1999)
• Professor of Photography at University of Wales Newport (2004-2012)
• CBE recipient (2021) for services to photography
• Published over 140 books of his own work

Parr's transition from black-and-white to color photography in the 1980s marked a turning point in documentary practice, influencing countless photographers worldwide.

Product Information

Title: Martin Parr
Author(s): Williams Val
Cover Design: 
Publisher: Phaidon Press Limited
ISBN: 071484389x
Language: English
Binding: Paperback
Number of Pages: 354
Illustrations: Yes, over 600 images
Edition: 2006
Dimensions: 29.0 x 25.0 x 3.2 cm
Weight: 
Condition: Still beautiful and neat copy. Only light traces of use on the cover
EAN: 
Special Features: 
Categories: Photography monographs, British photography, Documentary photography, Contemporary art, Phaidon publications

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