Mr. Hardman’s Photographic Studio

Since reading an article in a sunday newspaper some months ago I have been dying to see this treasure trove of a by gone era not only because of its cultural and artistic interest but because the place had been sat on my doorstep for all these years without me knowing!
The human interest story behind Mr Hardman, his wife and their photography store was an incredible, romantic and sad tale which, now knowing this, was perfectly reflected in this time capsule of a museum. Perfectly preserved as if untouched since the war, this place will not only interest photography enthusiasts but anyone with an interest in history and 20^th century culture.

We’re in another cultural Liverpool spot people — the Scousers are just spoilt for this stuff. Send some over to Manchester, there’s only so much Smiths-​inspired photography we can do outside the Salford Lads Club, only so many treks round the Town Hall, come on.
This is a gorgeous Georgian townhouse (and there are so many! Luck-​eeeee) kept in mint condition as a living museum, dedicated to Edward Hardman and his photographs. The studio he used still resides here, as well as the darkroom and his own living quarters which he shared with his wife Margaret. The place encapsulates that post-​war atmosphere which the couple were living in on a day-​to-​day basis, and the portraits Mr Hardman took as well as the scenic photographs of the city as well as the often forgotten lush countryside epitomise Liverpool working life and the quality of them, especially for the time, cannot be contended.
The man lived there between 1947 and 1988 and this piece of history is certainly worth a visit if you’re remotely interested in Liverpudlian culture. It’s the only one of its kind and it’s worth trying to catch the special 2010 exhibition that focuses on the unsung hard work of Margaret, who was the numbers lady, bookkeeping and running the studio. You’ll be able to look at her clothes and jewellery as well, which is utterly fascinating if you’re a vintage junkie like myself.
It’s a very different day out, and one that’s memorable. I had a similar experience to this when I visited the house of an important historical figure of Fuerteventura with my father, set up as a living museum, and roaming about someone’s living quarters really does give you a feel of the person. Hey, it’s a great excuse to be nosy!

An article in the National Trust magazine alerted me to the presence of this «time capsule» right here in Liverpool. As an amateur photographer, I was interested to explore the studio E.C.Hardman and view some of the portraits on show. I got so much more from my visit than this alone; the gorgeous little Georgian terrace and its authentic interior gives a real glimpse into post-​war life and the personal life of Edward and his wife who is, more recentli, coming into her own as ana historical figure. There is a new exhibition: Cameras and Camisoles: The Extraordinary Life of Margaret Hardman which sounds wonderful and I will definitely be going along.

Mr Hardman’s Photographic studio is such a cute place and is the only example of an intact studio of it’s era in the country, dating back to the 1950’s. Visiting the studio I was able to view the studio, darkroom and living quarters of portrait photographer E. Chambre Hardman and his wife. The portraits of people in Liverpool and landscape photographs of the surrounding countryside were really something.
Kids (+ any age) can have their portrait photograph taken in the studio or take part in the quiz trail.
Prices are ok. Adults can get in for £5.72, children £2.81 and family £13.35. Thankfully I am a National Trust member so just walk on in.
High points for me at Mr Hardman’s was the period of the studio and the feeling of really going back in time, if only we could really do that!

This is an elegant Georgian terraced house, former home and workplace of one of Liverpool’s best known photographers and now a multi award winning attraction. It is the only example of an intact studio of its era in the country; it houses exhibitions of Hardman’s photographs, studio where they were taken and darkroom they were developed and printed in. All of this is not to forget, based in Hardman’s living quarters complete with all the ephemera of post war daily life.
Opening times between 17^th March — 31^st October are on Wednesday to Sunday, 11am-3.30pm. The entry fee for an adult would cost £6.30 and £3.10 for a child. They also sell family tickets for £15.70. While these prices may be considered a little dear, this is a fascinating building to visit.

A great place to visit. I am a true lover of his photographs. You can also buy any of his work from ntprints online. I visited on a weekday and was lucky enough to be the only person on the guided tour. The tour l;asted about 90 minutes and was extreamly worthwhile. It added to a great day out. Well done National Trust