Harold Robert Hardwick (A.I.A.) was born 6 November 1866 at Rylstone, sixth child and fifth son of John and Rebecca Hardwick.

After qualifying as an architect, Harold practised in Sydney before moving to Mudgee where he was designing briefs by the mid-1890s. Initially he established his office in Davidson’s chambers in Market Street East, then later worked from his home in Lewis Street, Mudgee. In 1898 he married Adele Florence Wells.

Harold and Adele had five children, all born in Mudgee. Harold was a strict Methodist who went to church every Sunday, and he was one of the first to have a car in Mudgee.

Harold Robert Hardwick was the sole practising architect in the greater Mudgee district from the mid 1890s until his death in Mudgee in 1935. His briefs were extensive and included residential, commercial, ecclesiastical and agricultural commissions. The latter included the old saleyards in Mudgee’s West End and the occasional woolshed.

Harold Hardwick also undertook numerous briefs in the Central West and beyond, where resident architects were no doubt rare. He designed a substantial Catholic Church for Moree. He also appears to have designed numerous residences in his home town of Rylstone.

[Mudgee Showground Conservation Management Plan, 2009 & Margaret Hardwick.]