Artist's work saved for nation

The Hardman collection contains 140,000 images

The work and home of a leading 20th century photographer has been preserved as a museum in Liverpool, thanks to nearly £1m of lottery funding.

Edward Chambre Hardman's life's work of more than 140,000 images is to pass to the National Trust, along with his house and studio.

The £928,500 grant will be used to restore his studio home in Rodney Street in the city, which will be opened to visitors for the first time.

Hardman, who used a technique to show the camera can lie, was one of the UK's most successful photographers, between the 1920s and 1960s.

'Fascinating glimpse'

Visitors to the late artist's home will get a complete picture of the skills and processes involved with early 20th Century photography, a trust spokesman said.

Tony Jones, regional heritage lottery fund manager, said: "Liverpudlians, and other members of the public, will have a chance to see his work displayed in the building where he lived and worked.

"This will give visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the studio and a fascinating glimpse into the photographer's life.

The house in Rodney Street is Grade II listed

"We really can't overestimate the importance of the house, studio and the collection as a unit, both for Liverpool and the nation."

It is hoped the opening of the museum will help the city's bid to become European Capital of Culture in 2008.

Mr Chambre Hardman's work forms a social and historical record of Liverpool and the surrounding area over 40 years.

Portraits of virtually all Liverpool's leading business and society figures from the 1920s to the 1960s are included in the collection.

The house and studio, a Grade II listed building, is considered one of the finest Georgian districts in the country.

The interior and contents remain almost unchanged since the 1950s.

The National Trust is to provide a further £500,000 to maintain the building.