Festival to host tribute to influential photographer

A temporary free public gallery is set to host a tribute to one of Britain's most influential photographers, as part of a city-wide photography festival.

Common Sense, a tribute to late photographer Martin Parr, will be among several exhibitions at Bristol Photo Festival to be held in a hub at the Welcome Building in Bristol's business district.

Festival organisers say the idea is a way of bringing business and creative communities together.

Parr, whose colourful images captured British life, died at the age of 73 at home in Bristol in December. The gallery will be open from 15 to 18 October from 12:00 to 18:00 GMT and will host five exhibitions.

Common Sense features inexpensive colour photocopies of Parr's work to challenge conventional ideas on how photography should be exhibited.

Martin Parr's colourful images captured British life [Martin Parr Foundation]

Alongside the exhibitions, visitors will be able to take part in guided tours and a three-day masterclass with internationally renowned photographer Olivia Arthur.

The Welcome Building will also host the festival's opening event on 14 October from 18:00 to 21:00 GMT.

The Martin Parr exhibition is being held at the Welcome Building [Google]

The wider festival will see ticketed exhibitions at Arnolfini, Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, Bristol Cathedral, IC Visual Lab, Centrespace Gallery, and Redcliffe Caves.

Festival director Alejandro Acín said the event was a "testament to the power of collaboration" at a time when "cultural organisations across the UK face significant challenges".

Acín said this year's event was made possible "through the commitment of artists, funders, partners and communities" who believed in the festival.

"At a time when cultural organisations across the UK face significant challenges, this edition is also a testament to the power of collaboration," he said.

Bristol Photo Festival 2026 will take place from 14 October to 15 November.

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