AFTER capturing images of the working class at the seaside renowned photographer Martin Parr has been finding out how the other half lives.

One of Britain's best-known contemporary photographers, and president of world-famous agency Magnum Photos, Mr Parr spent three years documenting the annual traditions and eccentricities of staff and students at Oxford University.

Now 69 images are to go on display at the Bodleian's Weston Library in Broad Street in a free exhibition running from September 8 to October 22.

From 2014 to 2016 the photographer was given unique access to ceremonies and celebrations across the university.

These included graduations, balls, and sporting events as well as behind-the-scenes student antics and rituals, ceremonies and age-old traditions.

Mr Parr also photographed academic life including tutorials, lectures and cutting-edge research activity.

With his characteristically witty and unflinching eye, he was able to record the many different quirks of university life that have rarely been seen or documented by those outside the institution.

Mr Parr said: "'I have long been fascinated by Oxbridge and when this opportunity arose to shoot a long-term project, looking behind the scenes at the secret life of Oxford University, I jumped at this challenge.

"Working with both the Bod and Oxford University Press gave me access to events and scenes, well hidden away from public view and this was a great privilege to both witness and document."

The display of Mr Parr's photos coincides with a book entitled Oxford: Martin Parr, which is being published by Oxford University Press from September 7.

Highlights from the three-year project include a group portrait of college tortoise keepers and their tortoises, behind-the-scenes photographs of college balls, images of the one-day Encaenia honorary degree celebration, May Morning, and students celebrating the end of exams.

The Martin Parr exhibition will help to launch Photo Oxford 2017, a celebration of photography through exhibitions and related activities taking place at venues across the city, including the Old Fire Station in George Street, from September 8 to September 24.

Bodley’s Librarian Richard Ovenden said: "Martin Parr has brought his unique viewpoint to the university and we are delighted to be able to show some of his images opening up Oxford at this free exhibition in the Weston Library.

"Martin strongly supported the Bodleian’s campaign to acquire the archive of William Henry Fox Talbot, who made the first photographic journey to Oxford in the 1840s, and I’m sure this new collection, looking at the many different aspects of Oxford life, will be of huge interest to Martin's fans, local residents, visitors and alumni alike.

"This is a rare opportunity to see work of a brilliant photographer who normally only exhibits at larger international galleries."

A one-day symposium featuring talks by the Photo Oxford 2017 artists will run at the Weston Library on Thursday, September 7 from 1.30pm to 6pm.

Visit bodleian.ox.ac.uk