One-day-only chance to see Martin Parr exhibition

Associated media

Getting a  bird’s eye view of British mealtimes: a  new exhibition from photographer Martin Parr reveals how the British eat today.

One-day show on 1 October only

British photographer, Martin Parr, is unveiling his new collection of images depicting the eating habits of Britain, in collaboration with leading food brand Birds Eye.

Martin Parr, who has been documenting real people doing everyday things for more than 22 years, was commissioned by frozen food manufacturers Birds Eye to produce a unique snapshot of what makes up the typical, modern mealtime in Britain.

The exhibition entitled 'A Birds Eye View' features 30 brand new photographs depicting Parr's four-month tour of the nation capturing every day mealtimes in regions including Kent, Cornwall, Norfolk, Yorkshire, Merseyside, London and Birmingham. The resulting photography displays his personal insight into a variety of meal occasions shared amongst friends and families. The moments captured include a group of young professionals sharing a midweek meal with a friend over Skype, a family eating a laid-back dinner in front of the TV and a household enjoying a traditional Indian curry.  

The initiative by Birds Eye, which aims to celebrate mealtimes and the important role they play in people's lives, follows the 'Big Mealtime Audit', a study exploring the way in which real people eat and interact with one another over food.  The findings found that one in five Brits (20%) are eating as frequently as 11 times a day and spend on average just 25 minutes around the dinner table.

Martin Parr commented:

Partnering with Birds Eye on this project offered me a unique insight into the nation's eating habits. Each photograph tells a story and reveals a fascinating insight into people's lives – not only how we eat with others but also on our own. My aim with 'A Birds Eye View' was to champion the many food traits and behaviours Brits have in a way that makes us appreciate each other for our different and wonderful ways of living.

Steve Chantry, Birds Eye UK Marketing Director added:

'A Birds Eye View' is a celebration of modern British mealtimes offering a fascinating insight into what makes these shared occasions truly special. We're thrilled to have partnered with Martin Parr over the last four months on this unique project demonstrating the continued power of mealtimes in bringing people together each and every day.

The 'A Birds Eye View' exhibition will open for one day only on Wednesday 1 October. Visitors will experience an exclusive free viewing of the collection, as well as a screening of a behind-the-scenes film documenting Parr's nationwide tour.

Wednesday 1 October 2014, 9a.m. to 9p.m.

Pics Gallery
18 Newman Street
London
W1T 1PE