In 2010 Martin Parr was commissioned by Multistory to make a photographic series based in the Black Country. The resulting material was so rich that the work continued over 4 years, and eventually led to Parr making several short films.

The following films will be shown:

Teddy Gray’s Sweet Factory (20 mins)
Mark Goes to Mongolia (42 mins)
Tudor Crystal (26 mins)

Teddy Gray’s is a charmingly old fashioned traditional sweet factory in Dudley that (to this day) produces all confectionary by hand. Parr explores behind-the-scenes, sharing a laugh with the eccentric and warm staff and management.

In Mark Goes to Mongolia, Parr tells the extraordinary story of Mark Evan – pigeon auctioneer, breeder and entrepreneur – based in Moxley in the Black Country.

Stourbridge was once world famous for its glass. Tudor Crystal is the last, multi-furnace company producing 30% lead crystal. Martin documents the last three days that the owners, Barbara and Richard Beadman, remained in charge before handing the company over to new owners.