Rebecca Wood Watkin (née Rebecca Wood; 1913–2010), was an American architect, housing activist, and community leader.[1] She is recognized for her modern architectural designs, and advocacy for environmental and public housing causes. She was active in the San Francisco Bay Area and lived in Marin County for many years.[2] She also used the names Rebecca Esherick, Rebecca Watkin, Rebecca Wood Esherick Watkin, and Becky Watkin.
Rebecca Wood Watkin | |
|---|---|
| Born | Rebecca Wood April 4, 1913 Portland, Oregon, U.S. |
| Died | December 19, 2010 La Jolla, California, U.S. |
| Other names | Rebecca Wood Esherick Watkin, Becky Watkins, Becky Wood |
| Alma mater | Bryn Mawr College; University of Pennsylvania |
| Occupation(s) | Architect, housing activist, community leader |
| Spouse(s) | Joseph Esherick (m. 1938–1951; divorced), Harold B. Watkin (m. 1958–?) |
| Children | 3 |
Early life and education
editRebecca Wood was born on April 4, 1913, Portland, Oregon.[3] She completed her undergraduate studies at Bryn Mawr College in 1933, before receiving her bachelor of architecture degree from the School of Design, University of Pennsylvania in 1937.[2][3]
She was married to architect Joseph Esherick from 1938 to 1951, ending in divorce.[4][3] Together they had three children.[5] Her second marriage was to landscape contractor, Harold B. Watkin in 1958.[6]
Career
editAfter graduation, Watkin returned to the West Coast, and initially worked in other architects' offices. She earned her California Architectural license in 1944, opened her own practice in 1951, and became a staunch advocate for modernist design. Despite facing gender-based discrimination, Watkin made significant contributions to architecture.[7]
Notable works
editAmong Watkin's notable works is the Esherick House in Kent Woodlands, California, designed in 1950 with her then-husband Joseph Esherick serving as a consultant. This project exemplifies her modernist vision and architectural innovation.[7] Her portfolio also includes a variety of projects across Northern California, showcasing her versatility and creativity in architectural design.
Legacy and influence
editWatkin's dedication to modern architecture and her contributions to public housing and environmental causes had a lasting impact on the architectural community. She served on the Marin County Planning Commission and was involved in various political and social causes until her retirement in 1990.[2]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Ploughshares Fund Honors Rebecca Wood Watkin: 1913-2010". Ploughshares Fund. 2011-02-01. Retrieved 2024-03-03.
- ^ a b c "Watkin, Rebecca Wood, 1913-2010". ArchivesSpace Public Interface. Retrieved 2024-03-03.
- ^ a b c "Rebecca Watkin Obituary (2011)". Legacy.com. The Oregonian. January 23, 2011. Retrieved 2024-03-03.
- ^ "Marriage of Esherick / Watkin". Daily Independent Journal. 1958-10-20. p. 11. Retrieved 2024-03-03 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "A Room Of Her Own: Where Early Female Architects Lived". Madame Architect. 2021-03-01. Retrieved 2024-03-03.
- ^ "Marriage of Esherick / Watkin". Daily Independent Journal. 1958-10-20. p. 11. Retrieved 2024-03-03 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b "Pioneering Women of Mid-Century Design". EichlerNetwork. 2014-10-21. Retrieved 2024-03-03.