Showcasing Liverpool's History in the National Trust's New Photography Book
- Published:
- 01 August 2024
Highlighted in the National Trust’s latest book, 100 Photographs from the Collections of the National Trust, Edward and Margaret Hardman's work offers an intimate glimpse into the social and cultural fabric of 20th-century Liverpool. Here, we delve into the significance of the Hardmans’ photographs, celebrating their contributions to the art of photography and their enduring legacy.
The National Trust’s recent publication, 100 Photographs from the Collections of the National Trust, offers a captivating exploration of the rich photographic heritage preserved across the UK. Among the highlighted collections, the Hardmans' House in Liverpool stands out, showcasing a remarkable selection of photographs that capture both historical and artistic significance.
A Pillar of National Trust Photography
Anna Sparham, the National Curator for Photography at the National Trust, emphasizes the importance of the Hardmans' House collection. "For me, the Hardmans' collection is a pillar of the National Trust’s photographic collections in terms of scope and significance. It represents such an interesting approach to photography and how we engage with it, so the Hardmans and their former home and studio were always going to feature heavily in the book."
A Journey Through Time and Craft
The Hardmans' House collection provides a unique window into the world of commercial photography, documenting the meticulous work of Edward Chambré Hardman and his wife, Margaret. Their studio, which operated for several decades in the 20th century, produced an extensive archive of around 140,000 photographs, offering invaluable insights into the life and times of Liverpool and its inhabitants.
Celebrating Women in Photography
One of the notable aspects of the Hardmans' House collection is its emphasis on the contributions of women in photography. Margaret Hardman played an integral role in the success of their studio, not only as a photographer but also as a hand-colourist. Sparham highlights the significance of acknowledging her contributions: "The Hardmans were a husband-and-wife team, and Margaret Hardman played an integral role in the success of their studio. There are a number of Hardmans’ pictures in the book but only two that are technically attributed to Margaret. But so much of what they did was collaborative, and she was absolutely a driving force in the running of the business, as well as being an internationally exhibited photographer in her own right."
Hardman photographs in the 100 Photographs book.
A selection of images from the Hardmans' collection that feature in the 100 Photographs book.
A Rich Tapestry of Life
The Hardmans' photographs featured in the book range from intimate portraits to evocative cityscapes, each telling a story of its own. These images not only capture the essence of their subjects but also reflect the technical prowess and artistic vision of the Hardmans. Through their lens, we gain a deeper understanding of the social and cultural fabric of Liverpool during a transformative period in its history.
Bringing History to Life
Sparham’s work in curating this book underscores the importance of making historical collections accessible and engaging to a wide audience. "Our great advantage is that we’re not generally speaking to specialists but to broad, diverse audiences, and photography is in the hands of everybody – everyone has a relationship with it. So I like to think we’re already winning in that people don’t need to have the medium explained to them because they bring their own version of it, their own photographic practice and relationship, with them."
A Continued Legacy
The release of 100 Photographs from the Collections of the National Trust not only celebrates the Hardmans' contributions to photography but also invites a new generation to discover and appreciate their work. As visitors explore the Hardmans' House, they can experience firsthand the legacy of this dynamic duo and the enduring impact of their artistry.
For those intrigued by the intersection of history, art, and photography, the Hardmans' House collection offers a compelling journey through the lens of two remarkable photographers whose work continues to inspire and captivate audiences today.
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The publication of 100 Photographs from the Collections of the National Trust was made possible by the generous sponsorship of CEWE.