23/06/2023
The long read.
Edward Chambré Hardman (1898-1988).
Based on the seeming popularity of his image 'Rain in Chester', posted in a group a few days ago, thought I'd add a bit of background to the photographer Edward Chambré Hardman.
Born in Rathdown, Co. Dublin, in 1898. His photographic experiences started at a young age assisting his father, a keen amateur photographer. Helping develop large glass plate negatives from a brass and mahogany Lancaster stand camera, he'd process the negatives in the wine cellar and make contact prints in the apple loft!
In 1917 he served in the army in India, and met Liverpudlian Kenneth Burrell. They shared a passion for photography, resigned their army commissions in 1922 and set up a photographic studio in Liverpool. Hardman was the photographer, Burrell preferred to be more of a sleeping partner in the business. Burrell & Hardman soon became the fashionable choice for studio portraits.
Hardman married Margaret Mills in 1932. A photographer in her own right, when Kenneth Burrell left the business, she became even more important to Hardman. He'd go on to say he could not have achieved anything without her.
Although the portrait studio was the bread and butter for Hardman, it was always landscape photography that was his main passion. He was a Pictorialist at heart, strong composition and use of light were of upmost importance. But, he wouldn't hesitate to utilise any darkroom techniques to help his vision. He stated once:
'I have no hesitation in using any means of control, at any stage, which will help to give me the result I want, providing that such control does not conflict with the photographic character of the image'
Some of his most beautiful works were done during the 1930's, 40's and 50's, including what could be his masterpiece, 'The Birth of the Ark Royal'.
As home photography grew in popularity during the 50's, the commissions and other paid work became more scarce. Hardman retired in 1966.
Margaret died in 1970, a devastating blow to Hardman who lost his wife, photographic companion and a inspiration in the darkroom. Although still sent works for exhibition, he began to become more recluse and frail.
Hardmans entire collection would have been lost if not for a call in 1979 from a social service worker to the Director of Liverpools Open Eye Gallery, Peter Hagerty. He was requested to see Hardmans house, which had also been his studio, and give advice on the contents. Hagerty wrote:
'What a revelation awaited me, his home and studio were filled with early twentieth century photography, an entire collection of photographic prints, negatives, cameras, lights, darkroom equipment, letters and studio records. Although much neglected, a number of ceilings had collapsed in the intervening years, every room was crammed with photographs and ephemera and complemented by the more domestic scenes in the two rooms and small kitchen where Hardman and Margaret had lived.'
Hagerty helped form a trust in Hardmans name to be set up. After several years of illness, Hardman died, aged 90, in 1988.
His studio and house, at 59 Rodney Street, Liverpool, is now run by the National Trust and a long term conservation of his life's works ongoing.
Image credits: Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool.
