Renowned photographer Martin Parr has died at the age of 73 at his home in Bristol. The Martin Parr Foundation confirmed his passing on Sunday, 7 December 2025, stating he died the previous day. The foundation expressed its sadness and noted that Parr is survived by his wife, Susie, daughter Ellen, sister Vivien, and grandson George. The family has requested privacy during this difficult time.

Parr was celebrated for his unique ability to capture the essence of British life, often highlighting its quirks and idiosyncrasies through a vibrant lens. He first gained prominence with his 1986 work, *The Last Resort*, which depicted working-class holidaymakers in New Brighton, Merseyside. This collection marked a significant shift in documentary photography, moving away from traditional black-and-white images to bold, saturated colour.

His style was initially met with mixed reactions, but over time, it became widely appreciated. Parr himself acknowledged the controversy surrounding his work, stating, "I realised pretty early on that controversy didn’t do you any harm. And now, of course, it’s seemed to have all settled and people are much more appreciative of that body of work than they were in the ’80s."

Born in Epsom, Surrey, in 1952, Parr developed an interest in photography at a young age, inspired by his grandfather. He studied at Manchester Polytechnic in the early 1970s, where he met influential peers and began to shape his distinctive style. His early works included black-and-white photography of rural communities, but he later transitioned to colour, influenced by the likes of Peter Fraser and American photographers such as Joel Meyerowitz.

Throughout his career, Parr published around 60 solo photo books and staged over 90 exhibitions worldwide. His notable works include *Small World*, which explored tourism, and *Common Sense*, focusing on global consumerism. In 1994, he became a full member of Magnum Photos, despite initial controversy surrounding his acceptance.

Parr's influence extended beyond traditional photography; he also ventured into fashion and editorial photography, collaborating with brands like Louis Vuitton and Gucci. His recent projects included a landscape cover for British Vogue during the pandemic and a feature on actor Kathy Burke.

In recognition of his contributions to photography, Parr was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2021. The Martin Parr Foundation, established in 2015, aims to preserve his legacy and support emerging photographers. The foundation will work with Magnum Photos to ensure that Parr's work continues to be shared and appreciated in the future.