A Fair Day: Photographs from the West of Ireland by Martin Parr (1952 - 2025, UK) presents black-and-white photographs made in rural Ireland in the early 1980s. Parr was a close friend and supporter of The Photographers’ Gallery and we had been working together throughout 2025 on plans to show A Fair Day here. 

‘Fair days’ were occasions for communities to gather for trade, entertainment and religious observance. The photographs show cattle trading, horse fairs, folk musicians and dance halls, alongside new buildings, abandoned Morris Minors and partygoers in '80s fashion. Many of these special days are still celebrated each year, preserving a strong sense of community and tradition. For Parr, these gatherings were a chance to capture everyday life, showing a society in transition, where long-standing customs co-exist alongside modern global influences. 

The signed silver gelatin prints on display are now extremely rare. Please enquire for prices and further information here.

Parr exhibited at The Photographers’ Gallery many times during his career. His first solo show here was Hebden Bridge and Beauty Spots in 1977, and he served as an artist trustee from 2001 to 2007. We are pleased to continue working with the Martin Parr Foundation, and with Rocket Gallery, London (who represent the Estate of Martin Parr) to honour Martin's legacy and celebrate his impact on British photography.