These iconic pictures from Martin Parr’s The Last Resort remind us of his unique genius as a photographer

Martin Parr, a renowned documentary photographer, is best known for his iconic series "The Last Resort." This collection of images, captured between 1983 and 1985 in New Brighton, Merseyside, marked a significant shift in British documentary photography. It was Parr's first venture into color photography, featuring bold, saturated hues and direct flash, a stark contrast to the monochrome tradition of the time.

The series, which emerged during Margaret Thatcher's time as Prime Minister, portrays a resort in decline, shot with Parr's characteristic warmth, wit, and humor. It was published in 1986 in a self-published book and later presented at The Serpentine Gallery in 1986. A new exhibition at the Rocket Gallery in London commemorates the 40th anniversary of the book's publication and the landmark presentation of "The Last Resort."

The exhibition showcases historical Fujicolour C-type photographs printed from the original negatives, providing a glimpse into the series as it was first presented. It also includes vintage prints produced by Parr in the mid-1980s, giving visitors a comprehensive look at the series' creation. Additionally, original archive material from Parr's personal collection offers insight into the conception and production of the series, as well as the negative reception it initially received.

Despite initial criticism, "The Last Resort" has become a cornerstone of modern documentary photography, both in Britain and globally. Parr, a full member of Magnum Photos, has published over 175 books and established the Martin Parr Foundation in Bristol in 2017. He was awarded a CBE for his contributions to photography in 2021 and received the Photo London Master of Photography Award in 2023.

His work can be found in prestigious institutions worldwide, including the Tate Gallery in London, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and the Australian National Gallery.

In 2025, following his passing, exhibitions continue to honor Parr's legacy. Recent shows include "Global Warning" at the Jeu de Paume in Paris and "We Are Martin Parr" at the SeMA in South Korea. The Rocket Gallery, Parr's first commercial London venue to exhibit his work in 1997, is currently hosting a lifetime exhibition of his photographs.

The gallery is also the exclusive representative of Parr's estate in the UK, selling lifetime photographs from his studio archive. "Martin Parr: The Last Resort" is open to the public until October 31, 2026, on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 2-6 PM. For more information, visitors can check the Rocket Gallery website.