Skip to main content

Hardiman, W. (1889-1896)

Hardiman, W.

London; leather & metal worker, gilder (fl.1889-1896)

William Hardiman, sometimes known as Bill, had joined the Guild of Handicraft by 1889 and became the chief modeller for metalwork and also made leather panels for upholstery and wall coverings, including the panels at the Magpie & Stump, 37 Cheyne Walk, Chelsea, the home of C. R. Ashbee built in 1893-4. The panels are now at the V&A (W.2-26-2008).

Furniture, featuring Hardiman's work, which was displayed at the Arts & Crafts Exhibition Society, London, 1889-1896, and exhibited by Ashbee or the Guild of Handicraft, unless otherwise stated, included: 

1889 - mirror in bass-wood, stained green and decorated with gesso and gold, designed by Ashbee, cabinet-work by H. Phillips and gesso-work and gilding by J. Williams and W. Hardiman (cat. no. 194).

1890 - Presidential chair in oak, upholstered with embossed leather, designed by Ashbee with woodwork by C.V. Adams assisted by C. Atkinson and leather work by W. Hardiman (cat. no. 190); whitewood bureau, stained blue, ornamented with gesso-work, designed by F.J. Thomas, woodwork by R. Phillips and W. Curtis, gesso-work by W. Hardiman (cat. no. 305); oak and leather chair, designed by Ashbee, woodwork by W. Curtis and leatherwork by W. Hardiman (cat. no. 334); oak secretaire, decorated with gesso and colour, designed by Ashbee, woodwork by W. Curtis, gesso-work by W. Hardiman and ironwork by R. Underhill (cat. no. 374).

1896 – bedstead, head and foot, designed and exhibited by Edgar Wood, executed (woodwork) by Pearson and Brown, assisted by William Hardiman, metalwork by B. Schwabe (cat. no. 198).

In addition jewellery and metalwork executed by Hardiman was shown in these exhibitions, 1893, 1896 and 1899.

Source: Arts & Crafts Exhibition catalogues, 1888-1916.