Martin will collect his title at the 2017 Sony World Photography Awards ceremony held in London on Thursday 20 April

To coincide with the Sony World Photography Awards, a special exhibition of rarely seen B&W images from Parr’s early career will be presented at Somerset House, London, beside some of his most talked about photography, books and films.

Scott Gray, CEO of the World Photography Organisation said: “Martin Parr’s work has transcended all the usual boundaries of photography and shown that the medium is a hugely powerful means of communication. As an artist Parr has created a unique visual language that is deeply serious, but its inherent humour has ensured that his work has an almost global understanding. Great integrity and commitment to the medium of photography is the common thread that links each of our previous Outstanding Contribution to Photography Award recipients. These are qualities that Martin Parr has consistently displayed throughout his career and why we are proud to present him this title in the 10th anniversary of the Sony World Photography Awards.”

ITALY. Venice. 2005.

As part of the 2017 exhibition, Parr’s work will be on show for a limited period, from April 21 through till May 7, 2017. In addition, Parr will give a public talk at the London School of Economics and Political Sciences [LSE] on Friday 21 April, for which tickets are now on sale at https://www.worldphoto.org/2017exhibition

Martin Parr commented: “It is a great honour to receive the Outstanding Contribution to Photography title, especially knowing the illustrious previous recipients such as William Klein and William Eggleston. It is also very re-assuring to see the World Photography Organisation and Sony’s continuing support for all aspects of contemporary photography, through this exhibition and this season of awards.”