Claire and I were very sad to learn of the death of Martin Parr, one of the greatest figures in British photography of the last half century.
A brilliant, idiosyncratic image-maker, Martin's challenging photographs in black and white and, especially, in colour, have helped shape the way we view ourselves.
When we discussed our complementary attempts to support British photographers and to elevate the status of British photography, I was always impressed by Martin's generosity in sharing his latest discoveries and also struck by his incredible curiosity.
I was in awe of Martin's seemingly endless energy, fired-up by his infectious enthusiasm, and inspired by how prolific he was.
Many of his images are genuinely iconic but the enormous archive he created of his own photographs will also, no doubt, provide rich material for numerous future publications of previously unknown work.
Over decades Martin's influence as a documentary photographer and as a collector was unsurpassed and we have no doubt that through the Martin Parr Foundation his work will continue to inspire and provoke future generations as it did in his lifetime.
