Photographer puts Aberdeen into focus

● Special show at revamped gallery celebrates leisure

Aphotographer whose work will be the first shown in a new space at the revamped Aberdeen Art Gallery took in the “impressive” surroundings yesterday.

Martin Parr, a documentary photographer, was commissioned to produce a series on the theme of “Aberdeen at Leisure” to mark the venue’s reopening tomorrow.

During several visits in 2017, he snapped locals at Dons games, in nightclubs and places of worship, celebrating annual events and getting married.

Yesterday, Mr Parr returned to Aberdeen to see the display, which is arranged in a newly-created gallery on the top floor.

He said: “I’m impressed. It’s an amazing new space and, of course, this floor didn’t exist before.”

Some of the exhibition features events that dominated local news at the time, such as the saga of the Indian crew stranded on the supply boat Malaviya 7 after its owners went bust.

Mr Parr added: “I am excited to share my portrait of Aberdeen with citizens who appear in it.

“We picked out the important shows, like the Highland games and the spring flower show, then wove in the half-marathon.

“If you’re doing Aberdeen at Leisure, you have to have these bigger events.”

He photographed gardener Doug Gerrard holding his prize for the heaviest onion at the Royal Horticultural Society summer show in Duthie Park. Mr Parr said he wanted to help highlight the “time” and “dedication” that goes into the hobby.

“I just love the idea of these growers, who contribute things to these agricultural shows,” he said.

“I know growing an onion that size takes a lot of time, effort, concentration and dedication.

“It’s therefore the kind of thing I like to illustrate in my pictures.”

Another display, entitled Think of Scotland, explores leisure, landscape, food and community as Mr Parr visited locations across the country over 25 years.

Mr Parr, who is from the south of England, has won fans across the globe with his work.

Public access to the gallery this weekend will be for ticket holders only.

Regular opening times are from 10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and from 11am to 4pm on Sundays.

IN THE FRAME: Martin Parr’s specially-commissioned show Aberdeen at Leisure will be on a newly-created top floor at the gallery