Island Life draws upon photographs from the Martin Parr Foundation collection to show the changing fabric of our cities, society, and collective identities. Focusing on post-war from the UK and Ireland, the exhibition will bring together images by over 60 photographers including Khali Ackford, Pogus Caesar, Elaine Constantine, Sian Davey, Chris Killip, David Hurn, Ken Grant, Markéta Luskačová, Graham Smith, and Tom Wood. Collectively the images from a compelling study of national behavior.

The exhibition, held during the Bristol Photo Festival, includes photographs which document moments of historical significance including the poll tax riot, the Aberfan mine disaster, and most recently, the BLM movement. These will be displayed alongside images depicting every day – weddings, shopping, football, and Butlin’s holidays. Island Life traces the evolution of documentary photography in Britain, the photographers who influenced Parr, and the younger generation he is influencing in turn.

MARTIN PARR FOUNDATION COLLECTION
Martin Parr Foundation supports emerging, established, and overlooked photographers who have made and continue to make work focused on Britain and Ireland.
We house a growing collection of photographic material such as; prints, book dummies, portfolios as well the extensive archives of David Hurn, Val Williams, and Chris Killip.
The goal is to preserve this significant collection of photographic works so that it is accessible to view and research for generations to come.