Black Country Stories by Martin Parr

About

Magnum Photographer, Martin Parr, has spent a year documenting life in the Black Country. Exploring modern day society and the cultural make-up of the region, Parr has painted a portrait of British life from his own unique perspective, creating an archive for the future. The collection which contains over 650 images, 60 of which will be on display at Light House, is now held by Sandwell Library. The work was commissioned by local community arts organisation Multistory, and captures and celebrates everyday Black Country living and working. Parr photographed local factories and industries, markets, shops, gurdwaras, temples, mosques, churches, restaurants, cafés, clubs and pubs, weddings and local cultural celebrations for St George's day, Easter and Vaisakhi. Parr's process of documenting and recording is fuelled by his passion and a curiosity, taking inspiration from his surroundings. His intimate approach, photographing his subjects in their own environment, gives him space to explore their lives and values in ways that often involve inadvertent humour.