The work of Martin Parr bridges the divide between art and documentary photography. His studies of the idiosyncrasies of mass culture and consumerism around the world, his innovative imagery and his prolific output have placed him firmly at the forefront of contemporary art. A member of the international photo agency Magnum, Parr is an avid collector of books and a world authority on the photobook. Val Williams is a well-respected writer and curator based in London. She is contributing editor of Creative Camera magazine and has written for the Guardian, the Independent, the Telegraph Magazine and the New Statesman, among many others.