THE life of a wife who helped her husband become one of Liverpool’s most famous photographers is being revealed in a new exhibition.

Margaret Hardman, wife of Edward Chambré Hardman, was the powerhouse behind his highly successful photographic business for more than three decades.

Now, for the first time, the life and times of the energetic perfectionist are being uncovered in a new exhibition at their former Rodney Street home.

Margaret hired, fired and ran a staff of up to 30 people, and was a perfectionist, inspecting every one of the thousands of images taken by Hardman for his clients throughout the city and beyond.

Born in 1909, Margaret joined Hardman's photographic business, “Burrell and Hardman” in 1926 when his studio was on Bold Street.

She was a competent character and a keen photographer, and the fact that Hardman left her, a young woman, in charge of the business when he needed to go abroad showed his confidence in her.

A romantic relationship – not without turbulence – began to blossom, and Edward and Margaret married in 1932.

Ffion George, National Trust custodian at Hardman's Photographic Studio said: “Margaret had a lively, energetic character, and lots of enthusiasm, but could be very argumentative.

“This complemented her husband's character perfectly – he was 11 years older than her, quiet, shy, formal and a distinct snob.

“They were a devoted couple remaining loyal to each other and very much in love throughout their marriage until her death in 1970.

“After their marriage, she put the business back on its feet as it had begun to go downhill quite badly. She was responsible for a team of staff and, according to reports, was kind but firm.

“She did the books, organised all the advertising and promotion of the business, oversaw every photographic process at every stage – particularly the developing and re-touching, and was very exacting – in short, a perfectionist.”

The new “discover” Margaret exhibition will include never-before seen items from her glamorous evening wear and jewellery as well as love letters, ballet shoes and golf clubs.