Girl in a swimsuit by J. W. Hardy of Cleethorpes circa early 1920s.

An original, unposted postcard by J. W. Hardy, Photographer, Alexandra Rd., & Promenade, Cleethorpes. John William Hardy, was born in Sheffield on 10th February 1876. He was the son of a newsagent. John married Minna in Sheffield in 1905. He was already a photographer by the time of his marriage. By 1911, he was working as a photographer in Cleethorpes. J. W. Hardy was living in Signhills Avenue in the early 1920s. The Hardy family moved to 52 St Peter’s Avenue (where the Co-op in now) between 1925 and 1926. J. W. Hardy also had a studio on the seafront. J. W. Hardy became one of the best of Britain’s seaside photographers. He took outdoor, souvenir photos of holidaymakers walking along the promenade, sitting in deckchairs and paddling in the sea. He worked as a busy photographer through many decades. J. W. Hardy still had the studio at his home at 52 St Peter’s Avenue when he died on 29th or 30th July 1954. His son, (John) Keith Hardy (1907-1955), was also working there as a photographer. Research by Grimsby and Cleethorpes Museum.