Number 59, Rodney Street, the home and studio of Edward Chambré Hardman is an extraordinary survival in the heart of Liverpool. For forty years, this substantial, elegant Georgian terraced house was both home and workplace to one of the city's best-known portrait and landscape photographers. It will be open to the public for the first time on Wednesday (15 September), bringing to life a significant piece of Liverpool’s history and heritage.

Fiona Reynolds, Director General of the National Trust said, "There is already a great sense of pride in Liverpool, which we experienced when we opened Mendips, John Lennon’s childhood home last year and we hope the opening of 59 Rodney Street will be the next piece in the jigsaw of Liverpool's renaissance."

Edward Chambré Hardman lived at the house, (which dates back to the 1790s), from 1948 – 1988. He is viewed by many as Liverpool’s leading portrait photographer of the mid twentieth century.

The contents of 59, Rodney Street, together with an amazing photographic archive of over 142,000 images were saved from being dispersed after Hardman’s death in 1988. This was thanks to efforts by the E. Chambré Hardman Trust, (which was set up just prior to Hardman’s death), and later by Liverpool City Council, The National Museum of Photography, Film and Television, Bradford, a robust campaign by The Liverpool Daily Post and many other individuals.

The National Trust was offered and accepted ownership of 59 Rodney Street on behalf of the nation in 2002. Hardman’s house and studio is the only known photographic practice of the twentieth century where the photographer’s entire output had been preserved intact, together with his studio, home, personal and business papers.

It appears that he and his wife Margaret never threw anything away – wedding presents lay unopened decades after the event, tins of food stashed away during World War 2 exploded regularly; whilst a poignant collection of antique children’s toys revealed how Hardman would keep his younger visitors amused. In the Mounting Room, a complex filing system recorded the hair and eye colour of Hardman's sitters - with little samples of real hair so that the re-touchers knew exactly what colour to tint the prints before despatch. All this and more had to be taken from the house, cleaned, catalogued and returned – a task which took many months of dedicated work.

Meanwhile, thanks to Liverpool City Council, Hardman’s vast photographic archive was moved to Liverpool Record Office where an archivist began the huge task of cataloguing this immense collection.

Liverpool City Council leader Mike Storey said: "Edward Chambré Hardman was one of the most innovative and influential photographers this country has ever seen. His collection paints a unique picture of bygone Liverpool, and is an important part of the city's heritage."

"We are delighted to have worked closely with the National Trust on this project. The expertise of the Trust and the city council's Records Office has ensured that this collection is preserved and available for future generations to enjoy."

"The Chambré Hardman collection is a cultural gem and a worthy addition to the range of attractions in the city as we approach European Capital of Culture 2008."

A substantial grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund of £928,500 awarded to the National Trust in July 2002 has enabled the conservation of 59, Rodney Street, its studio equipment and photographic collection, together with its adaptation for opening to the public. The National Trust has also invested £500,000 as an endowment for the property.

There will be a rolling programme of exhibitions and displays of Hardman's photographs at 59 Rodney Street, although the majority of his 142,000 images will remain in store at Liverpool Public Record Office for conservation and security reasons.