Martin Parr UK, b1952
WEST BAY
1997, The Rocket Press, Steventon, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
Exceptional copy of Martin Parr's first ever artist's book – very rare
A deluxe artist's book of 250 copies published by The Rocket Press – the first project between Jonathan Stephenson and Martin Parr. Photographs of the then 'down-at-heel' seaside resort of West Bay near Bridport in Dorset photographed on the Bank Holiday weekend of August 1996. The photographs were then distributed to eight contemporary poets to write poems specially for this book.
The book was launched with the first ever commercial gallery exhibiton of Parr's photographs in London, at Rocket Gallery in summer 1997.
Book designed by Jonathan Stephenson at The Rocket PressHardcover, hand-bound in genuine deckchair canvas
Book in perfect condition with original blue slipcase (slightly marked)
Signed & numbered by Martin Parr on the colophon page, as issued – this is copy number 243
The edition is stated as 250 copies but a maximum of 175 copies were eventually bound as the bindery went into receivership during production