Raise a Laugh

Richard Billingham's 'Ray's A Laugh' is a photography book that offers an unvarnished glimpse into the lives of his family, particularly his alcoholic father, Ray, and obese, chain-smoking mother, Liz. Shot in a raw, snapshot style, the images capture moments of domestic chaos, poverty, and familial dysfunction with unflinching honesty.

The series, initially intended as reference material for paintings, became a significant body of work in its own right.

It challenges traditional notions of family and beauty, presenting a stark and often disturbing portrayal of working-class life in Britain.

The work is celebrated for its brutal realism and its ability to evoke both discomfort and empathy in the viewer.