Take a virtual tour of 59 Rodney Street

The collection, which includes the world famous shot of the Ark Royal under construction at Cammell Laird, has been secured by The National Trust as they marked the official transfer of ownership of the home of Edward Chambre Hardman at 59 Rodney Street, Liverpool on May 23rd.

With funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, The National Trust have been able to restore the house to its former glory of the 1950's.

The house and studio is the only known photographic practice of the 20th Century where the photographer's work has been preserved alongside his studio, home, business and personal papers.

The contents of the house including technical equipment and domestic objects are being conserved and cleaned while Chambre Hardman's 140,000 photographic images are in safe storage at Liverpool's Public Record Office. The images are currently being catalogued for educational resources.

Many original household items have also been uncovered in the house - cupboards full of tins of food, cartons of sugar and boxes of silk stockings have been discovered in the perfect condition in which they were bought fifty years ago.

Work on the external parts of the house will commence shortly and will include the construction of a visitor welcome centre with disabled access from Pilgrim Street.

The restoration is on schedule to be completed by Summer 2004, when the 59 Rodney Street will open for the public.

Photographs courtesy of Phil Broster.

Take a virtual tour of 59 Rodney Street

National Trust Curator Sara Burdett, describes the property