Ethel Charles

Ethel Mary Charles (25 March 1871 – 8 April 1962) was a British architect, the first woman to be admitted to the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in 1898.

Early life Ethel Charles, her sister Bessie Ada Charles (1869–1932) and brother Ronald Charles (1875-1955) were born in Calcutta, Bengal India, to Thomas Edmonton Charles (1834–1906), a medical doctor in private practice (also later honorary physician to King Edward VII), and Ada Henrietta Charles (1848–1931/2).

The family left India in 1877, settling at first in Cannes, then for twenty years spent their summers in Switzerland and winters in Rome, and visiting to England annually. Ethel and Bessie Charles were both educated privately and together read modern languages at Somerville College, Oxford for a year in 1891–2.

Despite being presented at court, their father encouraged both daughters to explore a profession.

Career Between 1892 and 1895 Ethel and Bessie were articled to Sir Ernest George and Peto, the architectural practice of Ernest George and Harold Peto. In 1893, they both attempted to continue their training by attending the Architectural Association School of Architecture but were refused entry. Ethel completed part of the course offered by the Bartlett School of Architecture, receiving distinctions.

Drawings in the RIBA Collection document her travels through England, France and Italy. After her apprenticeship with Ernest George, she became an assistant to Walter Cave, studying Gothic and domestic architecture.

In June 1898, she passed the RIBA examinations for associate membership. RIBA President at the time, Professor George Aitchison, welcomed Ethel but her admission was opposed by a minority of members, including W. Hilton Nash who stated "it would be prejudicial to the interests of the Institute to elect a lady member". Despite this initial opposition, she was finally granted membership with 51 voting in favor and 16 against. often working with her sister, the second woman to become a member of RIBA. Their most notable work is a Bible Christian Chapel at Mylor Bridge, near Falmouth (1907). They also designed houses on Gyllyngyvase Terrace in Falmouth (1907). In 1905, she designed three labourers' cottages for Letchworth Garden City.