He was also a member of the Royal Scottish Academy as an accomplished landscape artist.
He was involved in various City Improvement Schemes in Edinburgh including George IV Bridge and Johnston Terrace and also specialised in church design.
He was born in Edinburgh in 1830 the son of Thomas Hardy of Charlesfield, FRCSE, and Robina Forrester.
[3] He is buried in the family plot in Canongate Kirkyard in the south-east corner of the eastern extension with his parents and siblings.
His grandfather, Rev Thomas Hardy DD lies to their side.