Joan Wilson neé Kirby

In her own words Joan Wilson was a “jobbing architect” from the mid-1940s to the late 1960s. She was active in Liverpool Civic life, holding notable positions including 1st woman elected to the Liverpool Architectural Society (LAS) Council and Liverpool Soroptimists’ President.

Sepia toned photograph of a woman with short combed hair and wearing a jumper.

Image Joan Wilson courtesy of her family

She studied at the Liverpool School of Architecture from 1930, fully participating in student life, staying in digs with fellow student Helen Bateman and making several life-long friends. After graduating Joan travelled to the USA and later worked in South Africa. In 1936 working as an assistant at Harold E. Davies & Son in Liverpool, alongside fellow graduate Doris Bott, she met her husband Harold E Wilson. During the war, she worked for Liverpool City Corporation providing air raid shelters and volunteered as an air raid warden in Birkdale. Sadly, she was widowed in 1943 shortly after the birth of her daughter Jennifer. Soon afterwards she established her practice, in Ormskirk, from an office at her father’s timber yard.

Exterior of a three floor barn converted to living accomodation

Building plan showing before and after of a conversion

Stone and brick fireplace in a rebuilt barn and cottage conversion.

Barn and Cottage Conversion at Hunters Hill Parbold

Much of her work was grounded in the social history of the mid twentieth century, from converting Large Edwardian Houses into flats, to designing new school kitchens and betting shops. There were also several important residential projects, including conversions for herself and daughter. She was particularly proud of the Barn and Cottage Conversion at Hunters Hill Parbold which was published in Building 1952.

Vintage photograph inside a large teaching studio. Male students inoverals,, shirts and ties stand leaning on drwaing boards. Arrows point out three female students amongst them.

1st year photo including Joan Kirkby and Helen Bateman 1930-31. Courtesy UoL Special Collections

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