BBC/Martin Parr/Magnum
University alumnus revamps BBC One idents
6 January 2017
Martin Parr captures British "oneness"
Manchester Metropolitan alumnus and influential photographer Martin Parr was commissioned by the BBC to capture an “evolving portrait of modern Britain in all its diversity” for 2017.
Dubbed “oneness”, the new idents feature groups of open water swimmers, mountain rescue volunteers, a Zumba class and a wheelchair rugby team.
Idents are the short sequences used by television networks in between programmes to identify the channel and are often accompanied with information on the upcoming schedule.
The new campaign will replace the circle-themed idents, which were introduced in 2006, featuring scenes such as kites flying and hippopotamuses swimming in a circle.
Capturing Britain
Around 20 idents are expected to feature over the next 12 months, with each portrait showing everyday Britons doing everyday tasks together to capture the diversity of modern Britain.
Since graduating from Manchester Metropolitan in the 1970s, Martin has become one of Britain’s leading documentary photographers, well known for his ironic and witty portraits of Englishness.
In 2008, Martin was made an Honorary Doctor of Arts for his ongoing contribution to photography and to the Manchester School of Art.
