Susie Parr Livres

Parr takes a broadly chronological look at the social history of British swimming. She explores the earliest records, accounts written by the Romans; unearths references from Anglo Saxon times and delves into stories of the Viking invaders.

Set in the picturesque Yorkshire Pennine town of Hebden Bridge during the mid-1970s, this book captures the decline of traditional life through Martin Parr's evocative photography and Susan Mitchell's insightful narratives. The couple documents a year in the life of a local Methodist chapel, reflecting the community's fiercely independent spirit and the vanishing customs of the region. Together, they create a poignant historical record, blending striking images of local residents and scenes with rich descriptions of the social fabric that defined the town.