Judith Ledeboer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Judith Geertruid Ledeboer
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| Born | September 8, 1901 Almelo, Netherlands
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| Died | December 24, 1990 (aged 89) Surrey, United Kingdom
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| Nationality | Dutch-British |
| Education | Cheltenham Ladies' College, Bedford College,Newnham College at the University of Cambridge, and Radcliffe College |
| Known for | Architecture |
| Awards | Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) (1966) |
Judith Geertruid Ledeboer OBE (8 September 1901 – 24 December 1990) was an important architect. She was born in the Netherlands but became a British citizen. Judith worked mostly in London and Oxford. She designed many different buildings, including schools, university buildings, and homes for people.
Early Life and Learning
Judith Ledeboer was born in 1901 in Almelo, Netherlands. She was one of six children. Her father, Willem Ledeboer, was a banker. Her family moved to London soon after she was born.
Judith went to several schools, including Wimbledon High School and Cheltenham Ladies' College. She studied history at Newnham College, which is part of the University of Cambridge, from 1921 to 1924.
In 1925, she went to Cambridge, Massachusetts, in the United States. There, she earned a master's degree in economics from Radcliffe College. The next year, she came back to London. She began training to be an architect at the Architectural Association School of Architecture.
While studying, she met other future architects like Jessica Albery and Mary Crowley. They all cared a lot about making better homes for people. This idea guided their work later on. Judith finished her architecture studies in 1931.
After graduating, Judith and Jessica Albery spent six months learning on building sites in London. They learned a lot by working directly with foremen and other construction workers. This hands-on experience was very valuable.
Her Career as an Architect
One of Judith's first inspirations was another architect named Elisabeth Scott. Judith helped Elisabeth on the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon.
In 1939, Judith Ledeboer started her own architecture firm with David Booth. It was called Booth and Ledeboer. At first, she mostly worked on smaller home projects.
During World War II, in 1941, Judith left her firm. She went to work for the Ministry of Health. She was the first woman at the ministry to be in charge of housing. She also helped lead important committees about public housing.
After the war, in 1946, Judith went back to her firm with David Booth. In 1956, John Pinckheard joined them, and the firm became Booth, Ledeboer, and Pinckheard. Their offices were in London and Oxford. They mainly worked for universities and the government.
Some of the university buildings Judith helped design include:
- The Institute of Archaeology and Classical Studies at the University of London (built 1953–1958).
- The Waynflete Building at Magdalen College, Oxford (built 1961–1964).
- Magdalen College School (built 1966).
The firm also designed public buildings like hospitals, factories, and offices. They designed several schools in Oxford, such as the Dragon School and Headington School.
Judith Ledeboer also designed many housing projects in London. These were for the Lewisham and Newham Borough Councils. She is most famous for designing a home for elderly people on the Lansbury Estate in Poplar, London. This building was created for the Festival of Britain in 1951. She also designed a neighborhood in Hemel Hempstead from 1950 to 1955. This project included houses, flats, maisonettes, and shops.
Judith stopped working in private practice in 1970. However, she stayed active in important architectural groups until the mid-1970s. She passed away in 1990 at her home in Hambledon, Surrey.
Her Impact
Judith Ledeboer was a very important person in shaping housing policy after World War II. Lynne Walker, a writer, called her "one of the most significant voices in post-war housing policy."
In 1966, Judith was given a special award. She was made an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE). This award recognized her great contributions.
See also
In Spanish: Judith Ledeboer para niños
