Julia Morgan's first commission in 1903 was the El Campanil bell tower at Mills College. She encountered resistance from a male contractor who undermined her authority, questioning her knowledge of steel-reinforced concrete. Morgan, educated at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts, had mastered this method. Despite her groundbreaking work, the female president of Mills College allowed the contractor to take credit for her design. This experience exemplified the sexism Morgan faced throughout her career, contrasting her modest demeanor with prevailing ideas of male architects and their egos.
Julia Morgan's early work on El Campanil showcased her skills in steel-reinforced concrete, a method she mastered at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts, despite facing gender biases.
In a male-dominated industry, Morgan's achievements were often overshadowed by men, illustrating the persistent sexism she encountered throughout her 46-year architectural career.
Despite being a groundbreaking architect, Julia Morgan's modest demeanor and adherence to Victorian standards contrasted sharply with the archetype of a bold, larger-than-life genius architect.
The female president of Mills College succumbed to gender biases, allowing a male contractor to claim credit for Morgan's innovative design, reflecting the systemic sexism of the era.
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