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About

Step into a perfectly preserved slice of 1950s Liverpool at The Hardmans’ House, a Georgian townhouse that once served as both home and studio to renowned portrait photographer Edward Chambré Hardman and his wife Margaret Mills. Located at 59 Rodney Street, this National Trust property offers a rare glimpse into mid-century domestic life and photographic practice. Visitors explore rooms filled with original furnishings, vintage equipment, and evocative prints that capture Liverpool’s people, streets, and industrial heritage. The darkroom, still intact, reveals Hardman’s meticulous techniques and artistic flair, while the studio showcases his mastery of portraiture. As the only known British photographic studio preserved in its entirety, the house is a time capsule of creativity and social history. Guided tours bring the space to life, offering insight into the couple’s legacy and the city they documented so vividly.

Liverpool United Kingdom

Location

The Hardmans’ House is located at 59 Rodney Street, Liverpool, just a short walk from Liverpool city centre and close to the Anglican Cathedral, nestled in a historic Georgian terrace. The house is easily reached from Liverpool Lime Street and Liverpool Central train stations, both only about a 15-minute walk away. In the immediate vicinity, visitors can explore major attractions such as the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral, Victoria Gallery and Museum, the Williamson Tunnels Heritage Centre, the Beatles Story, the World Museum, and Albert Dock, all easily accessible from its city centre location. The surrounding Rodney Street area is renowned for its historic architecture and proximity to cultural landmarks, making The Hardmans’ House an ideal stop for those interested in Liverpool’s creative and architectural heritage.

The Hardmans’ House

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