Phil Barber Photography

Thursday night I went to see ‘An Evening with Martin Parr’ – Martin Parr is probably one of the most influential living British Photographers still working today. With over fifty books and countless exhibitions, Parr is known for his lurid and sometimes shocking use of colour in photography and his satirical witty approach to documentary photography leaves the viewer not sure whether to laugh or cry.

The audience was invited to vote on which one of 3 presentations he had put together and they would most like to hear; ‘Parrworld’,  ‘Martin Parr – the story so far’ or Martin Parr my collection of Photo books. After a number of chances to vote the audience selected ‘Parrworld’. This was exhibition that was held at the Baltic in Gateshead. It was an a exhibition  with a difference, less an exhibition in the standard sense – although it’s the largest ever to be dedicated to his work – and more an old-fashioned cabinet of curiosities.

Parr has Saddam Hussein watches, a wall of commemorative plates from the miners’ strike, an Afghan kilim depicting a plane flying into the Twin Towers, a Falklands conflict tea towel, a Stalin alarm clock and a roll of Osama bin Laden lavatory paper.

Also there was a collection of his Postcards showing hotel lounges and Butlins indoor swimming poll from the 60’s.

Joining me on the night was my 3B Media chums Mr Aldrick & Mr Booker. But when we arrived it turned out to be a mini Randall Network get together with The Lawsons, Rebecca Honeywell, Oliva Brabbs, Susie Lawrence all being there as well.

The evening was held by Creative Networks at Leeds College of Art and they hold such events every month.