Matilde Ucelay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Matilde Ucelay Maortúa
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| Born | 1912 Madrid, Spain
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| Died | 24 November 2008 (aged 95–96) Madrid, Spain
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| Nationality | Spanish |
| Education | Instituto-Escuela |
| Known for | Architect |
| Spouse(s) |
Jose Ruiz-Castillo
(m. 1937) |
| Awards | Premio Nacional de Arquitectura de España, Complutense University of Madrid |
Matilde Ucelay Maortúa (born in 1912, died in 2008) was a very important Spanish architect. She made history by becoming the first woman to get an architecture license in Spain. In 2004, she received a big honor: the Premio Nacional de Arquitectura de España, which is Spain's National Architecture Award.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Family Background
Matilde Ucelay was the oldest daughter of Enrique Sanz, a lawyer, and Pura Ucelay Maortúa Lombera. She had three sisters: Luz, Margarita, and Carmen. Her mother, Pura Maortúa, was a close friend of the famous writer Federico García Lorca. She was also a member of the Lyceum Club and helped start a theater group called Anfistora.
Becoming an Architect
Matilde finished her high school studies at the Instituto-Escuela. In 1931, she started studying architecture at the University of Madrid. She was also an active member of a student group called Federación Universitaria Escolar (FUE). Matilde worked very hard and finished her architecture degree a year early, in June 1936.
On July 10, 1936, a special event was held to celebrate her achievement. Her friends and classmates honored her for being the first woman in Spain to earn an architecture degree. A government minister, Amós Salvador Carreras, also attended the ceremony. Later that year, she worked as a secretary for the Women Association of Architects of Madrid.
Personal Life and Challenges
Marriage and Family
In January 1937, Matilde married Jose Ruiz-Castillo. He was a lawyer and worked for the Ministry of Agriculture. His family was well-known in Madrid for their publishing business. Jose inherited his father's company, Biblioteca Nueva. Matilde and Jose had two sons, Jose Enrique and Javier.
Facing Difficulties
After the Spanish Civil War, Matilde faced some serious problems. Because she had been part of the College of Architects of Madrid's board in 1936, she was put on trial. Even though many people spoke up for her, she was found guilty on July 9, 1942.
The court decided she could never hold a public job again. She was also not allowed to work as an architect privately for five years. On top of that, she had to pay a large fine of 30,000 pesetas. Even though she earned her architecture degree in 1936, it was not officially recognized until 1946.
In the 1950s, Matilde helped create the Association of University Women. However, the government at the time, led by Francisco Franco, stopped her from joining the board of this new association.
Later Recognition and Legacy
Awards and Honors
In 1998, a group called Asociación La Mujer Construye (Women Build Association) publicly honored Matilde Ucelay. They recognized her as the first woman to graduate in architecture in Spain.
Her biggest award came in 2004 when she won the National Architecture Award. This was a huge achievement. Two years later, in 2006, she represented Spain at the Venice Biennale, which is a very important international art and architecture event.
Matilde Ucelay passed away in Madrid on November 24, 2008. Her life showed great strength and determination, and she opened doors for many women in architecture.
Selected Works
Matilde Ucelay designed many buildings and spaces. Here are some of her notable projects:
- Oswald House in Puerta de Hierro, Madrid
- House Bernstein
- House Marichalar
- Ortega Esportono house
- House Simone Ortega
- Benitez Lugo House in Las Palmas
- Ucelay house on Long Island
- Bookstores Turner and Hispano-Argentina in Madrid
See also
In Spanish: Matilde Ucelay para niños
