Maker/Retailer Biography

John Hardman & Co

Dates: Founded 1838

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Metalworking and decorating firm founded by John Hardman the Younger (1811-67), partner in the Birmingham button-making firm of Hardman & Illiffe. John Hardman, John Hardman junior and Jeremiah Illiffe were in partnership with G.R. Elkington from 1837 to 1843 to find ways of exploiting Elkington's patents for gilding base metals. In 1837 he met A.W.N. Pugin, who persuaded him to initiate the 'Medieval Metalworkers' venture with which his name was to be associated from the 1840s. The business partnership commenced in the following year, setting up a textile department in 1842 and producing stained glass from 1845, and by the late 1840’s they were large-scale interior decorators. As well as Pugin's association with the firm as designer, Hardman's were involved in executing Pugin's designs for the New Palace of Westminster and the 1851 Medieval Court at the Great Exhibition, for which they made the stove covered with Minton majolica tiles designed by Pugin. The company also exhibited in London in 1862; Paris in 1867 and 1878; and Philadelphia in 1876. Hardman's chief draughtsman from 1848 to 1850, F. W. Oliphant, had previously been at Wailes of Newcastle, Pugin's sole stained glass supplier from 1842 to 1845. The firm also made a silver cameo stand for Lord Bute, probably designed by Burges, in 1869. Pugin's pupil John Hardman Powell succeeded him as chief designer to the firm in 1852. The firm continued to make stained glass as John Hardman Studios into the twentieth century.