E. Chambré Hardman Collection

The E. Chambré Hardman Photographic Collection is a unique survival with local, national and international artistic significance. It is owned by the National Trust, which also cares for 59 Rodney Street in Liverpool, the home and photographic studio of Edward and his wife Margaret.

E. Chambré Hardman established a highly successful photographic studio in Liverpool, becoming the leading portrait photographer in the city from the 1920s to the 1960s. He is noted for his photographs of the British landscape and for his photographs depicting the industrial and commercial transformations occurring in Liverpool. He also took portraits of many celebrities of the age.

The majority of the collection is housed at Liverpool Central Library and Archive, with a small but significant portion housed at 59 Rodney Street. It contains over 140,000 photographic prints and negatives, as well as business records and personal papers.

Accessing the collection —

You can view items in the collection at Liverpool Central Library and Archive. Please visit their website to view the online catalogue and to make an appointment. 

Hundreds of Hardman's photographs have also been digitised and made accessible online on the National Trust Images database. For further details please visit the National Trust Hardmans’ House website.