The 1980s seaside snaps that sparked a controversy

More than forty years ago, when photographer Martin Parr visited New Brighton, a seaside resort in the north, he didn't expect that the photos he took would cause nationwide controversy. His original intention was to capture moments of the era and challenge people's perceptions of social classes. This artistic goal reflects Parr's keen observation and social awareness.

This series, titled "New Brighton, The Last Resort," showcased the best and worst aspects of the seaside. The photos depicted day-trippers picnicking amidst garbage and dilapidated facilities, reflecting the state of the Wirral town at the time. However, on the eve of the release of a new film about his life, Parr admitted that these famous seaside photos had "become extremely controversial." This controversy highlights the subjective interpretation of art and its impact on public perception.

Parr, now 72, stated, "People from London and the southeast, they really didn't know what the north was like. The garbage was really bad, but they weren't used to it, so it was almost like it was my fault that the place looked so scruffy." Parr initially felt like a victim in this blame game, but he stated that he was simply truthfully presenting the resort on the banks of the River Mersey. This candid portrayal sparked debate about the responsibility of artists to depict reality accurately.

He stated that he received criticism, with people questioning "how this middle-class photographer dared to photograph the working class in such a cynical way." "So it became extremely controversial, but ultimately it didn't do me too much harm," he added. Parr, born in Epsom, Surrey, in 1952, said he has always had a special affection for the northwest of England. This affection likely influenced his decision to document the region and its people.

His grandfather, George Parr, a member of the Royal Photographic Society, was the one who inspired Martin to become a photographer. When shooting "The Last Resort," it was a radical act in the early 1980s, partly because of his choice of color film. "At the time, I did my best to incorporate everything I saw in front of me into the photos." "I like observing people relaxing, trying to capture that moment." This dedication to capturing authentic moments is a hallmark of Parr's photographic style.

"New Brighton was a very run-down resort at the time, so there was garbage everywhere. It was really scruffy, but of course people still went there for day trips. It's part of the tradition." Parr added that he wanted to contrast "people having a good day" with the "shabby background." "For me, it was an amazing project, and to this day, it's still my most famous work." The contrast between joy and decay is a recurring theme in Parr's work, prompting viewers to reflect on societal realities.

He said that the film "I Am Martin Parr" will be shown in theaters in the northwest, including New Brighton, "which makes a lot of sense." "What better place to show this film than in New Brighton? There were a lot of shots filmed there of me walking around and talking to people." The film's screening in New Brighton serves as a homecoming, allowing the community to engage with Parr's portrayal of their town.

Sean Martin, the current chairman of the New Brighton Coastal Community Team, stated that some locals at the time were not happy with Parr's work. "I wasn't there at the time, but I was told that they thought he staged a lot of the photos," Mr. Martin said. "Some people said he picked the places with the most garbage." This criticism raises questions about the ethics of documentary photography and the potential for manipulation.

He added, "Anyway, New Brighton is very different now, especially after the pandemic, people all want to be near the sea." "We have the longest beach in Britain, our hotel industry is booming, and we also have historical sites such as Vale Park and the Dome of Home Church. The town has survived because generations have had faith in it." This resurgence of New Brighton demonstrates the town's resilience and its ability to adapt to changing times.