The Rodney Street Studio

Staff on Doorstep of 59 Rodney Street - taken by E. Chambre Hardman in 1950

The lease on the Hardmans' Bold Street studio was due to expire in 1948, so the Hardmans decided to take the opportunity to improve their premises and move to a larger building. They sold their home in Barnston Village to fund this move and bought 59 Rodney Street on 14th January 1949 for £4250. At this time the business had a staff of 10 and an annual turnover of £3,800. Rodney Street is often called  'The Harley Street of Liverpool', housing many doctors and consultants and was an affluent and prestigious address. 59 Rodney Street was not only their business premises, but their home as well and the Hardmans occupied just 3 small rooms at the back of the house - a Bedroom, Living Room and Kitchen on the first floor with their Bathroom being situated on the second floor.

The Studio - Undated, taken by E. Chambre Hardman

They kept their Chester Studio on and Mr. Hardman continued to work there for three days each week taking portraits. The negatives would then be brought to the Rodney Street Studio to be processed and printed.

Here are a few of the photographs Edward Chambre Hardman took of Rodney Street:

Front Door, Rodney Street - Undated, taken by E. Chambre Hardman

Rodney Street from Upper Duke Street - taken by E. Chambre Hardman in 1960

Rodney Street - taken by E. Chambre Hardman in 1972