'Beside the Sea': A Unique Photo Exhibition on Brighton's Bus Shelter Roofs

Get ready for an art experience like no other as internationally acclaimed photographer Martin Parr and Brighton’s celebrated documentary photographer JJ Waller present Beside the Sea, a groundbreaking outdoor photography exhibition as part of the Brighton Festival 2025.

In a world-first concept, over 65 large-scale images of vibrant seaside life will be pasted to the roofs of bus shelters across Brighton, creating a gallery that can only be viewed from the top deck of a double-decker bus. Parr and Waller, united by their passion for capturing the quirks of British coastal culture, have curated selections from each other’s portfolios to create a playful and thought-provoking journey through the iconic British seaside.

Martin Parr says

I love the idea of showing images on a bus shelter roof – the last thing you expect when travelling upstairs on a bus. Photography has the ability to be shown anywhere, and this is the most original location I can think of.

JJ Waller adds

At last, after years of keeping this idea on the back burner, it’s finally a reality! And what better way to bring it to life than alongside Martin Parr, my mentor and a master of documenting British life. For me, this is like a young musician sharing a double album with Bowie or McCartney.

I have clear memories of weekly bus journeys with my mother, which she called ‘a ride to the end and back.’ For her, it was a carefree break from suburban life, and for me, it was a window to another world – like a lens capturing moments on a strip of film.

Beside the Sea aims to bring world-class photography to unexpected places and ensure that art reaches those who might not typically visit a gallery. For those unable to access the top deck of a bus, additional exhibitions will be displayed free of charge on seafront locations and at Hove Museum of Creativity between 3 May – 14 September 2025. The images from bus shelter roofs will also be available on the Brighton & Hove Buses website.

Ed Wills, Managing Director for Brighton & Hove Buses and Metrobus adds:

As the major bus operator in this creative seaside city, we are delighted to be showcasing seaside themed photography from international photographer Martin Parr and popular local photographer JJ Waller. This exhibition gives our regular passengers the unique opportunity to enjoy an event from the Brighton Festival and gives an extra incentive to leave the car at home and take the bus.

The exhibition will be displayed from 22nd April to 1st June. A map of the exhibition route will soon be available on the Brighton & Hove Buses website.

Hop on Metrobus routes 270,271,272 and 273 to get to Brighton and change to a Brighton & Hove Buses service along the exhibition route to view 'Beside the Seaside'.