Bert Hardy (1913-1995, London, UK) was an influential English press and documentary photographer known for his work for Picture Post magazine. Born into a working-class family in Blackfriars, Hardy was self-taught and worked as both a combat photographer and an advertising photographer during his illustrious career.

Discover the key moments in Hardy’s unparalleled career – from self-taught news and sports photographer, to serving combat cameraman, renowned Picture Post photojournalist and successful advertising entrepreneur.

As well as historic material from his work for Britain’s leading photo-magazine, Picture Post, this retrospective includes photographs during his time in the Army Film and Photographic Unit, including imagery from the Blitz in London to the liberation of Bergen-Belsen and war in Southeast Asia.

Hardy’s extensive social documentary work in mid-century Britain in cities including London, Liverpool, Cardiff, Belfast, Tyneside and Glasgow, alongside his travels across post-war Europe and the many conflicts he reported on will be shown. A selection of material from Hardy’s archive, complemented by some of his lesser known colour work will also be displayed.

The archive, now held by Cardiff University, includes press passes, correspondence, diaries and original publications, as well as camera equipment.

Please Note: General admission ticket covers access to all of our current season exhibitions.