Ursula Bowyer

Ursula Bowyer studied at The Camden School for Girls and University of Westminster. Training under Peter Moro is recorded. Residence is recorded at 111 And 115, Maze Hill Se10. Positions recorded include chairperson and president. Distinctions recorded are honorary doctorate.

• Name — Ursula Bowyer • Born — 16 December 1925 • Died — 15 January 2025 • Occupation — Architect • Practice — Bowyer practice (with Gordon Bowyer) • Notable Works — Sports Pavilion, Festival of Britain (1951); The Growing Home (1961) • Spouse — Gordon Bowyer

Born in Berlin in 1925 to a Jewish family, Ursula Meyer emigrated to Britain in 1938 as antisemitic legislation intensified under Nazi rule. She enrolled at the Regent Street Polytechnic in London, where she studied architecture and met Gordon Bowyer.

In 1950 she married Gordon Bowyer. Together they worked on the Sports Pavilion for the Festival of Britain in 1951. Ursula contributed to the Pavilion's graphic and interior elements, reflecting the Bauhaus principles of colour and lightness.

In 1961 Ursula co-created The Growing Home at the Earl's Court Furniture Show with the Design Research Unit. She was responsible for the domestic interiors that charted family life from childhood to old age. The project has been described as one of Britain's most original investigations into flexible living.

After raising a family, Ursula returned to the practice as a partner in the 1960s. She contributed to private houses, housing schemes and boutique interiors, and collaborated with Gordon on cultural commissions including the British Museum galleries, Science Museum and the National Gallery.

Ursula helped shape the Bowyers’ art collection, drawing on her connections to networks of artists and designers. The collection included works by Ben Nicholson, Paul Nash, Victor Pasmore, Keith Vaughan, Reg Butler and Robert MacBryde. Their Georgian home at Maze Hill in Greenwich also featured designs by Robin Day, Finn Juhl, Alvar Aalto and Tapio Wirkaala.

Ursula Bowyer is recorded as a citizen of United Kingdom. Recorded with the occupation architect. Formation and teaching. Bowyer studied at The Camden School for Girls and University of Westminster. She trained under Peter Moro.