Agnes Garrett

[John Simkin]

In 1871 Agnes Garrett, along with her cousin Rhoda Garrett, began an architectural apprenticeship with Daniel Cottier. He took their fees and taught them very little. The moved to the practice of J. M. Brydon. According to Moncure Conway: "They were formally articled for 18 months, during which they punctually fulfilled their engagement, working from 10 to 5 each day... When the apprenticeship reached its last summer they went on a tour throughout England, sketching the interior and furniture of the best houses, which was freely thrown open to them."

Agnes Garrett, like her sisters, Millicent Garrett and Elizabeth Garrett, was a strong supporter of women's suffrage and was a member of Central Society for Women's Suffrage. In 1872, while she was still an apprentice, Agnes on a women's suffrage tour of Gloucestershire and Herefordshire with Lilias Ashworth Hallett.

In 1875 Agnes and Rhoda Garrett set up their own "Art Decoration" business. According to Helena Wojtczak, it was the "first all-female design and decorating company, taught interior decoration and won many high-profile commissions for public buildings and private residences." One of their first commissions was the Kensington home of the composer, Hubert Parry.

http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/WgarrettA.htm