A blue plaque has been unveiled to honour the birthplace of legendary Picture Post photographer Bert Hardy.

Bert Hardy was born into poverty but rose from processing lab delivery boy to chief photographer on Picture Post, Britain’s most famous weekly pictorial magazine. Hardy photographed six major conflicts including the Korean War.

Hardy was born in a flat at The Priory on Webber Street (formerly Friar Street) Southwark, south east London where the Hardy family lived after the First World War.

The plaque, which was unveiled by Bert Hardy’s eldest son, Mike, who also spoke at the event. Local historian Stephen Humphrey – shown above with the plaque – and EPUK moderator Graham Harrison also spoke about Bert Hardy’s achievements.

The Criterion and Picture Post photographer became famous for documenting the blitz and the liberation of Paris, as well as becoming Lord Mountbatten’s personal photographer. Hardy died in 1995 at the age of 82.

Previous recipients of the Blue Plaque have included Sir Michael Caine, Secrets and Lies actress Marianne Jean-Baptiste and the Rose Theatre.

The scheme which is now in its sixth year aims to honour and recognise people and places of significance within the London borough and is decided by a public vote.

The plaque is inscribed ‘Bert Hardy, 1913 – 1995, Photographer, Born and grew up in The Priory, “The man behind the camera.” Voted by the people.’