Jean Wallbridge and Mary Imrie were partners in business and in life during a time when few women were visible in architecture and fewer in committed domestic partnerships. Over the three decades they were in business, their firm “Architects Folles” completed over 200 projects in and around Edmonton. This downtown office at 8 Merrick Block was the headquarters of their firm until 1957, when the partners relocated to a new home and office they had designed together, called “Six Acres”. The firm operated from their riverside property until two days after Jean Wallbridge’s death in 1979.
Learn more about Wallbridge & Imrie Architects by visiting the Edmonton Queer History Project.
Fun Facts
Jean Wallbridge and Mary Imrie first worked for Edmonton’s City Architect’s Office from 1946-50 and were the only Canadians to participate in a three month working tour of postwar reconstruction in Europe. Upon their return, City Architect Max Dewar recommended an increase to their wages, remarking “although these two persons are ladies, I see no reason why they should be treated differently than male employees.”
Over 30 years in business, their architectural firm completed 224 projects in and around Edmonton, including what is now the Queen Mary Apartments and Greenfield School.
The two women were described as partners in business and in life, traveling the world and living the rest of their lives together in a unique property they designed known as Six Acres overlooking Edmonton’s river valley. After Jean’s death, Mary bequeathed the property to the Alberta Recreation, Parks, and Wildlife Foundation. The Imrie Wetland Reserve that Mary donated is now a part of the University of Alberta Botanic Garden.
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