Martin Parr's final photos capture Lacock's charm

An exhibition of Martin Parr's final photographic works, documenting life in the Wiltshire village of Lacock, is now open at Lacock Abbey. This collection represents his last major commission before his passing in December at age 73. The exhibition will be on view until June 2027.

Parr, known for his distinctive style of capturing British life, was commissioned by the National Trust to photograph Lacock during the spring and summer of 2025. The resulting images offer a look at village events such as the flower show, VE Day celebrations, the annual scarecrow festival, and Women's Institute meetings.

Lacock holds a special place in photographic history as the home of Victorian pioneer Henry Fox Talbot, often called the birthplace of photography. Parr's connection to the village spanned decades, with this commission being a return to a place he had previously documented.

Friends and family described the exhibition as a "bittersweet experience," highlighting Parr's dedication to his craft even as his health declined. His work is celebrated for capturing the "life he loved" and the sense of community within Lacock, making this exhibition a poignant end to a distinguished career.