LONDON: Celebrated British documentary photographer Martin Parr has died at his home in the western English city Bristol, his foundation announced on Sunday. He was 73.

Famous for his kitschy colour-saturated images capturing all aspects of life in Britain and beyond, Parr had a sharp eye for mundane oddities, whether it was the rich at play or working-class scenes.

At times a controversial figure accused of cruelty for his refusal to flatter his subjects, Parr was unapologetic and became widely considered a legend of his craft.

“It is with great sadness that we announce that Martin Parr (1952-2025) died yesterday at home in Bristol,” a statement on The Martin Parr Foundation’s website said. “Martin will be greatly missed,” it added, noting he is survived by his wife Susie, his daughter Ellen, his sister Vivien and his grandson George. “The family asks for privacy at this time,” the statement said.

It added the foundation and Magnum Photos — the prestigious agency he was a member of since 1994 and president of from 2013 to 2017 — will “work together to preserve and share Martin’s legacy”.

Parr had previously revealed being diagnosed with myeloma, a type of blood cancer that affects bones and different parts of the body.

Photographer Diane Smyth, editor of the British Journal of Photography, called him a “international legend” of the field, noting he was one of the first in documentary work to embrace colour.

Published in Dawn, December 8th, 2025