Sofa Sessions: Conversations with Martin Parr - Chris Killip

This Sofa Session - coinciding with The Station exhibition, on display at the Martin Parr Foundation 20 SEPT to 24 DEC 2020 - is dedicated to the life and work of Chris Killip (1946-2020).
Chris talks about his working process 📸 and the values that underlie his photographic practice.
He touches upon his transition from making portraits using a 5x4 camera and tripod on the Isle of Man, to photographing the industrial North East of England using flash in the daytime ⚡☀️
He elaborates on the value of spending extended periods of time getting to know your subjects and the re-discovery of The Station images by his son Matthew, which led to the current exhibition 🙌
This conversation was filmed in June 2018 when Chris visited the Foundation in Bristol.
See Chris Killip publications on the MPF online shop here: www.martinparr...
Produced by the Martin Parr Foundation.
Filmed and edited by Alexander Parkyn-Smith
/ alexanderparkynsmith

[@thewhitbyphotographer]

A sad morning watching that. I hadn't realised Chris had died. His documentary of Skinnigrove was one of the most awesome things Id ever seen. I always used to try and imagine how the polite well spoken Gentleman had fit in at Skinnigrove. Knowing just how tough those guys were makes it hard to imagine how they didn't just throw him in the sea upon first meeting him, but they didn't and they took to him and let him document thier lives

[@johnhigginson5079]

Fascinating stuff, really interesting to see two great British photographers side by side on the sofa. My head likes Martin Parr's work, but my heart LOVES Chris Killips work. I always felt Parrs work was made from a privileged middle class home counties point of view, slightly sneering at those less fortunate, Killips work has dignity and respect running through every caught movement. Really grateful to have the opportunity to see this, respect to Martin and the foundation for doing these conversations. Thank you.

[@stevehallam0850]

Fascinating. One of the great documentary photographers. RIP Chris.

[@sagebrother]

Very interesting interview. Thanks for doing this and indeed sad he died shortly after this despite looking healthy and vibrant.

[@josephomalley1526]

One of the guiding lights, thanks for this Martin.

[@runninblue9415]

What a contribution to British culture. Such important work

[@MartinParrFDN]

We very much agree @runninblue

[@grahamferguson5796]

What a great chance to hear from Chris. I was knocked for six by Another Country at the Arnolfini in the 80’s. I had never seen anything so powerful. His work is astonishing, he was a pioneer, and yet so modest.

[@PaulGatenby]

Martin, This is one of my favorite Sofa Sessions that you have made... I must admit that I have not known about Chris before this but will take the time to learn more... Keep up the good work... Take care Paul,,

[@leehornsby5178]

I really love his photos and the way he lay it out 👍

[@MartinParrFDN]

Thanks for commenting Lee

[@mp_martin]

I was shown his work when I studied at Sheffield Poly (now Hallam Univ) during an exchange semester in1987, and it was important then to see what slowing down, being deliberate and engaged could produce. This way of working is hard for a student to imagine now.

[@ripemangosmdm7997]

I like the single street, or 4 street limitations. What a fine way to stick around and test your ability to see. And to try. Determination is key. Good stuff. Rest in power Chris.

[@philliptyreman9009]

I witnessed the gas pipeline which was installed to supply Cleveland Potash Limited where I served my apprenticeship. Years later I was to meet Peter a European UK Engineer during a charity bike ride through Vietnam & Cambodia 🇰🇭 . Much respect your work 💜 in the NE

[@MarkNeilandPhoto]

Brilliant guy!

[@ericjudlin5834]

Please interview Paul Hill especially about his b/w personal work!!

[@craigatkinsonstudio]

Excellent. Thanks for this. When was it filmed - summer 2019?

[@MartinParrFDN]

Hi Craig, it was filmed in June 2018 when Chris visited the foundation. The video is tagged with the date but I have updated the description too. Hope that helps.

[@martintolley9234]

Really interesting. Pity about the coal deliveries happening off set, but hey ho.