City Talks: Make Room For Herstory

The NZIA Wellington branch invites you on Monday 18 November to City Gallery Wellington from 6pm for a talk from architectural historian Elizabeth Cox.

In 1919 the Christchurch Star reported there were a number of ‘girls’ in New Zealand architect’s offices, studying to make architecture their profession. The newspaper concluded: ‘naturally a capable woman architect should prove invaluable’. Who were these ‘girls’ in architect’s offices, and why were some inspired to believe they would add value to the profession? This talk will profile the careers of New Zealand women architects who studied to be architects between 1900-1950, and examine their contribution to the architectural history of New Zealand – from the Edwardian to modernist era.

Cox is the director of Bay Heritage Consultants, a Wellington firm that specialises in uncovering the social and architectural history of buildings and their occupants. She completed her Master’s degree at Victoria University of Wellington, where she discovered her passion for social and women’s history.

City Talks is an ongoing series initiated by the New Zealand Institute of Architects Wellington Branch and presented in partnership with City Gallery Wellington. Its purpose is to foster discussion about architecture for a broader audience in a city that cares to openly discuss ideas relevant to our future.

This is a free event and the talk will be followed by refreshments.