Markéta Luskacová, Czech-born, has lived in the UK since 1975. She first went to North East England in 1976 when visiting photographer Chris Killip, who at that time lived and also photographed there. Luskacová fell in love with Whitley Bay and the people there, who in spite of the harsh weather, enjoyed their time at the seaside.
"I was very touched by it all: the families with children, old women in their best hats, elderly couples with grandchildren, teenagers courting shyly or boisterously, the ponies and donkeys walking patiently to and fro on the beach. The dogs and children were everywhere, dogs enjoying themselves as much as the children did. The fairground and the omnipresent tents, fortresses against the wind and rain, the seaside cafes selling sandwiches, apple pies, custard pies, ice creams and teas, of course. But they also sold boiling water to women who brought with them from their homes their teapots and teabags, because to buy tea for the whole family would be too expensive." —Markéta Luskacová
By the Sea: by Markéta Luskacová is on view at the Martin Parr Foundation in Bristol, England.
