Magnum photographers turn their lens to Hull for new show

Portrait of a city — Martin Parr and Olivia Arthur celebrate the neglected northern city for a specially commissioned exhibition, shining a light on its young locals and ‘rich culinary culture.’

Acclaimed Magnum photographers Martin Parr and Olivia Arthur have teamed up to celebrate Hull – the UK’s 2017 city of culture – for a new exhibition.

The show, titled Portrait of a City, offers a unique portrait of the city, with both photographers turning their lens to different areas. For Martin Parr, it’s a deep-dive into Hull’s “rich culinary culture”, including run-down chippies, upmarket vendors, and specialist supermarkets. The series – which includes over 100 photographs – gives a voltaic insight into the central contribution of food to the city’s character, social life and culture.

GB. England. Hull. G W Glenton's fish shop. Billy Glenton. Hessle Road. 2017 © Martin Parr / Magnum Photos

GB. England. Hull. G W Glenton’s fish shop. Billy Glenton. Hessle Road. 2017 © Martin Parr / Magnum Photos

Ross and Ryan, Hull, 2017 © Olivia Arthur / Magnum Photos

Ross and Ryan, Hull, 2017 © Olivia Arthur / Magnum Photos

In a sharp contrast to Parr, Olivia Arthur has opted for black and white images. Her bleakly funny shots aim to capture Hull’s youth culture, with the London photographer capturing young Elvis impersonators, footballers and bodybuilders. She travelled frequently to the city during the project, building relationships with the locals to create a series that accurately reflects their individuality, identity and aspirations.

“I think that Hull in the past had become a bit forgotten, partly because of its reputation as a rough place to live and partly because it’s not really on the way to anywhere,” Arthur tells Huck. “As a result, young people there have built their own sort of bubble and there seems to be quite an established arts scene.”

“There was such an enthusiasm for the project, people mostly seemed really proud to be in it.”

In a statement, Martin Green, the Director of Hull 2017, added that he was “delighted” at Parr and Arthur’s work. “Their observational approach, which is justifiably renowned around the world, provides us with two fresh perspectives on this extraordinary year for the city as we look to the future,” he said.

GB. England. Hull. Yankee's Diner. Hessle Road. 2017 © Martin Parr / Magnum Photos

GB. England. Hull. Yankee’s Diner. Hessle Road. 2017 © Martin Parr / Magnum Photos

Freya Hough, Hull, 2017 © Olivia Arthur / Magnum Photos

Freya Hough, Hull, 2017 © Olivia Arthur / Magnum Photos

Alfie Pearson, Hull, 2017 © Olivia Arthur / Magnum Photos

Alfie Pearson, Hull, 2017 © Olivia Arthur / Magnum Photos

GB. England. Hull. Stack it High. Hessle Road. 2017 © Martin Parr / Magnum Photos

GB. England. Hull. Stack it High. Hessle Road. 2017 © Martin Parr / Magnum Photos

B Boy Jocky, Hull 2017 © Olivia Arthur / Magnum Photos

B Boy Jocky, Hull 2017 © Olivia Arthur / Magnum Photos

GB. England. Hull. Alism's Delicatessen. Hessle Road. 2017 © Martin Parr / Magnum Photos

GB. England. Hull. Alism’s Delicatessen. Hessle Road. 2017 © Martin Parr / Magnum Photos

Alicia Abbott, Hull, 2017 © Olivia Arthur / Magnum Photos

Alicia Abbott, Hull, 2017 © Olivia Arthur / Magnum Photos

GB. England. Hull. Crisp & Fry. Spring Bank. 2017 © Martin Parr / Magnum Photos

GB. England. Hull. Crisp & Fry. Spring Bank. 2017 © Martin Parr / Magnum Photos

Hull, Portrait of a City runs at the Humber Street Gallery from October 13 to December 31.

Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.


Ad

Latest on Huck

Sport

Is the UK ready for a Kabaddi boom?

Kabaddi, Kabaddi, Kabaddi — Watched by over 280 million in India, the breathless contact sport has repeatedly tried to grip British viewers. Ahead of the Kabaddi World Cup being held in Wolverhampton this month, Kyle MacNeill speaks to the gamechangers laying the groundwork for a grassroots scene.

Written by: Kyle MacNeill

Culture

One photographer’s search for her long lost father

Decades apart — Moving to Southern California as a young child, Diana Markosian’s family was torn apart. Finding him years later, her new photobook explores grief, loss and connection.

Written by: Miss Rosen

Culture

As DOGE stutters, all that remains is cringe

Department of Gargantuan Egos — With tensions splintering the American right and contemporary rap’s biggest feud continuing to make headlines, newsletter columnist Emma Garland explains how fragile male egos stand at the core of it all.

Written by: Emma Garland

Culture

Photo essay special: Despite pre-Carnival anxiety, Mardi Gras 2025 was a joyous release for New Orleans

A city celebrates — Following a horrific New Year’s Day terror attack and forecasts for extreme weather, the Louisiana city’s marquee celebration was pre-marked with doubt. But the festival found a city in a jubilant mood, with TBow Bowden there to capture it.

Written by: Isaac Muk

Sport

From his skating past to sculpting present, Arran Gregory revels in the organic

Sensing Earth Space — Having risen to prominence as an affiliate of Wayward Gallery and Slam City Skates, the shredder turned artist creates unique, temporal pieces out of earthly materials. Dorrell Merritt caught up with him to find out more about his creative process.

Written by: Dorrell Merritt

Music

In Bristol, pub singers are keeping an age-old tradition alive

Ballads, backing tracks, beers — Bar closures, karaoke and jukeboxes have eroded a form of live music that was once an evening staple, but on the fringes of the southwest’s biggest city, a committed circuit remains.

Written by: Fred Dodgson

Signup to our newsletter

Sign up to stay informed from the cutting edge of sport, music and counterculture, with personal takes on the state of media and pop culture in your inbox every month from Emma Garland, former Digital Editor of Huck, exclusive interviews, recommendations and more.

Please wait...