ARENA: AKA NORMAN PARKINSON
BBC4 Sun 21st Apr 9pm - 10pm
Repeat: BBC4 Mon 22nd Apr 2:30am
Repeat: BBC4 Wed 24 Apr 11:15pmNorman “Parks” Parkinson was one of the greats of 20-century photography, an eccentric-looking figure with a twirly moustache and “magic” brocade cap who shook up the world of British fashion photography in the 30s.
This vibrant, witty documentary has as light a touch as its subject, telling the story of Parks’ life through his own words, pictures and interviews with his famous models, mostly just hinting at the façade he built to escape his humdrum childhood. But then there’s the telling admission, “If I didn’t have a passport I wouldn’t know who I was.”
The life and career of photographer Norman Parkinson, whose portfolio of work offers a fascinating insight into the changing times and styles of the 20th century. Featuring access to more than 350,000 negatives alongside interviews with some of Parkinson's collaborators, including supermodels Iman, Jerry Hall and Carmen Dell'Orefice, as well as Vogue Creative Director Grace Coddington and grandson Jake Parkinson-Smith.
Contributor Jerry Hall
Contributor Carmen Dell'Orefice
Contributor Grace Coddington
Contributor Jake Parkinson-SmithCrew
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