A new exhibition celebrating the work of Martin Parr, the acclaimed British photographer who died in December 2025, opened this week at the Paintworks in Bristol. The exhibition, titled “The Last Resort,” features photographs Parr took in New Brighton, Merseyside, between 1983 and 1985.
Parr, who was 73 at the time of his death after a diagnosis of cancer in May 2021, was known for his often humorous, yet provocative, depictions of everyday British life. His work frequently captured the smallest details, prompting both debate and discussion about class and society. “He would have loved it,” said Louis Little, head of production at the Martin Parr Foundation, referring to the opening of the exhibition.
“The Last Resort” initially drew criticism when exhibited at the Serpentine Gallery in London in 1986, with some accusing Parr of being patronizing and voyeuristic. Parr himself acknowledged the initial reaction, stating that his intention was simply to present New Brighton as it was, a rundown seaside resort. The photographs contrast “people having a good day out” with the “shabby backdrop” of the resort, according to Parr.
The exhibition marks a significant moment in Parr’s career, representing a shift towards color photography and a distinctive style characterized by the use of fill-flash and close-up shots of his subjects. This style proved to be a turning point in British documentary photography, moving away from the traditional gritty, black and white aesthetic. His 1986 photobook of the same name, “The Last Resort,” is considered a landmark work.
The Martin Parr Foundation, which organized the exhibition, and Magnum Photos will collaborate to preserve and share Parr’s extensive legacy. The Foundation had been open to the public for over eight years prior to his death, hosting a rotating program of exhibitions and events. The Royal Photographic Society (RPS) also showcased Parr’s work, including “The Cost of Living” in 1990, recognizing its impact on British society during the Thatcher era.
Described as “Britain’s best-known photographer,” Parr’s career began with studies at Manchester Polytechnic in the early 1970s. His early black and white projects are considered equal in quality to his later, more famous color work. He exhibited alongside contemporaries Daniel Meadows and Brian Griffin in 1974 at the Impressions Gallery in York.
