This talk is part of the Online Winter Lecture Series 2025 called Victorian and Edwardian Women in Architecture. Follow this link to book all of the lectures.
Organised by Lynne Walker
The winter lecture series 2025 provides the opportunity to engage with recent, path-breaking research by leading experts which gives a fresh perspective on women’s diverse roles in nineteenth and early twentieth century architecture as designers, patrons, clients, philanthropists, and businesswomen, as well as their emergence as professional architects by 1900. In the broad context of Victorian society, this series considers themes and issues which both facilitated and limited women’s agency and contribution in a male-dominated world, most notably, family, social and political networks, widowhood and wealth.
Rhoda and Agnes Garrett, 'House Decorators, Cabinet Makers, and Designers of all the Details of Household Furniture and Upholstery': the History of a Business, 1874–1905
by Elizabeth Crawford
Agnes (1845–1935) and Rhoda (1841–82) Garrett were the first women to run a professional interior design business. Thinking it essential to have a training, they served a three-year apprenticeship with the architect J. M. Brydon before embarking on an enterprise that, despite Rhoda’s early death, continued into the 20th century.
Elizabeth Crawford is the author of numerous articles and books, including Enterprising Women: the Garretts and their Circle (2002), which describes in detail the work of R and A Garrett – and that of their female friends and relations who did so much to transform the lives of women.
After booking a ticket, you will be given access to the recording of the event. Please ignore the event date in the listings.
This event helps raise funds for The Victorian Society - the only charity dedicated to fighting for our Victorian and Edwardian heritage. Join us today and safeguard our unique cultural heritage for future generations! For further information, click here.
The Victorian Society is an IHBC recognised CPD provider.
Image: Agnes Garrett,
