Sir Paul Smith and Martin Parr Photograph by James Mason

Paul Smith threw a party for Martin Parr this week!

'Martin was one of the first photographers who really got my attention for his love of the kitsch and odd,' he said

“Martin Parr was one of the first photographers who really got my attention for his love of kitsch and odd situations", Paul Smith says. 

So it was no surprise that the legendary fashion designer, who has collaborated in the past on a line of beachwear with the photographer, hosted the launch of Martin’s latest Phaidon book Only Human at Paul Smith No.9 Albermarle Street this week. 

 

National Portrait Gallery curator Phillip Prodger, Phaidon Commissioning Editor Victoria Clarke and Martin Parr Photograph by James Mason
National Portrait Gallery curator Phillip Prodger, Phaidon Commissioning Editor Victoria Clarke and Martin Parr Photograph by James Mason

Guests included gallerist Steve Lazarides, photographer Kevin Davies and Phillip Prodger, the curator of Parr's new show at The National Portrait Gallery.

 

Martin Parr and gallerist Steve Lazarides Photograph by James Mason
Martin Parr and gallerist Steve Lazarides Photograph by James Mason

Parr signed books for fashion models, fellow photographers and a number of the people in his new book. 

 

Martin reads his latest reviews - they're all good! Photograph by James Mason
Martin reads his latest reviews - they're all good! Photograph by James Mason

However, he didn't take the opportunity to pick up a new look while he was there however - in the past Martin's said he's appalled and fascinated by fashion in equal measure despite shooting great campaigns for Gucci and Farah among others. 

 

Martin Parr and guests at Paul Smith Photograph by James Mason
Martin Parr and guests at Paul Smith Photograph by James Mason

But Parr, who’s new book focuses in part on Brits at the time of Brexit, does share the same bug for collecting unusual things as does Sir Paul and admitted: “I guess we’re both very British indeed.”

 

There were a few dedications scribbled on Post-It Notes Photograph by James Mason
There were a few dedications scribbled on Post-It Notes Photograph by James Mason

Earlier in the week the photographer opened his biggest and most prestigious retrospective to date at the National Portrait Gallery in London.

 

Check the composition and colour balance on these Battenberg cakes
Check the composition and colour balance on these Battenberg cakes

Guests at the opening night party included Grayson Perry and his family who posed for pictures in front of Parr’s portrait of them, which is included in our book. 

 

Martin Parr at the National Portrait Gallery
Martin Parr at the National Portrait Gallery

The show - is cleverly curated by Parr himself and spans a number of rooms with a hilarious gift shop and café. 

 

Martin Parr at the National Portrait Gallery
Martin Parr at the National Portrait Gallery

Watch our two Martin Parr videos on Instagram here; buy Only Human here and our two (very) limited edition prints here. And get tickets for The National Portrait Gallery show here.

 

Martin Parr at the National Portrait Gallery
Martin Parr at the National Portrait Gallery