Rarely seen black-and-white images by Martin Parr showcased at new exhibition

Two couples sat by a fence and staring through binoculars
(Image credit: Martin Parr • Magnum Photos)

British photographer Martin Parr is, it's fair to say, one of the most influential documentary photographers of our time. Having spent the last half-century carving out a reputation for his candid and often humorous depictions of everyday life, his work is characterized by its focus on ordinary people and their surroundings – often in suburban or working-class environments. 

Parr has an uncanny knack for capturing the quirks, contradictions and idiosyncrasies of human behavior, presenting a sometimes satirical but always honest view of society. A Magnum member since 1994, he's published more than 40 photobooks and has featured in around 80 exhibitions worldwide. 

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Tom May

Tom May is a freelance writer and editor specializing in art, photography, design and travel. He has been editor of Professional Photography magazine, associate editor at Creative Bloq, and deputy editor at net magazine. He has also worked for a wide range of mainstream titles including The Sun, Radio Times, NME, T3, Heat, Company and Bella.