#EthelDay - celebrating women in architecture

#EthelDay 2019 is an annual event that celebrates women’s contribution to the architecture profession. Taking place on Wednesday 5 June, the day is inspired by Ethel Mary Charles, the first woman to be elected to membership of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in 1898.

For #EthelDay 2019, we’re sharing stories of women throughout history whose contribution to architecture may not be well known. Read about Miriam Wornum, Joy Hockey MBE and Dame Henrietta Barnett here and find out more about their lives and their work.

Banner image: Artist James Woodford's carving of Perpendicular (a period in English architecture) in 66 Portland Place, based on Miriam Wornum

Do you have a story to tell?

We’d love to hear more about women who have worked in architecture throughout history. Use the hashtag #EthelDay and share their stories with us.

#ETHELDAY

Stories of women in architecture

Read more about Miriam Wornum, Dame Henrietta Barnett and Joy Hockey MBE.

Miriam Wornum

Miriam Wornum (1898-1989) was a San Francisco-born artist and designer who worked on many projects with her architect husband, George Grey Wornum – including 66 Portland Place.

Dame Henrietta Barnett

Dame Henrietta Barnett (1851-1936) was a social reformer and educationalist - and the driving force behind Hampstead Garden Suburb.

Joy Hockey MBE

Audrey Joyce Rutherford graduated from University of Liverpool School of Architecture in 1949 and worked as an architect throughout her life. Now Joy Hockey, this year she received an MBE for her services to Wallasey.

Who was Ethel Mary Charles?

Ethel Charles became the first woman architect to join the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), in 1898. However, Ethel’s path to becoming an architect and member of the RIBA was far from straight forward.

Discover Ethel's story

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