Martin Parr hails from Epsom, Surrey. His interest in photography began in childhood, under the guidance of his grandfather George Parr, himself an accomplished amateur photographer. His images focus on the lifestyle of the average Englishman, mirroring the social and moral decline of the working class under Margaret Thatcher. He gained international renown for his indirect approach to social documentary and his innovative imagery, then became a full member of the Magnum Photos agency in 1994, far from the multiple controversies sparked by his provocative photographic style. A cocktail evening around Martin Parr was scheduled for November 19, 2013 at Artazat, for the release of his latest book Luxe (éditions Textuel).