By Dr. Adebunmi Akinbo 
Nigeria mourns the passing of a true pioneer, Gillian (Jill) Godwin (née Hopwood), who peacefully departed on November 6, 2025, at the age of 98. Born in Rochdale, England, on June 27, 1927, Jill Godwin’s extraordinary life journey seamlessly intertwined her architectural brilliance with a profound dedication to Nigerian culture and heritage.
A distinguished architect, Jill qualified from the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London in 1950, the same year she became a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects. It was there she met her future husband and lifelong collaborator, John Godwin. Their marriage in 1951 marked the beginning of a partnership that would profoundly shape Nigeria’s urban landscape.
In 1954, Jill joined John in Nigeria, and within a year, they established their groundbreaking architectural firm, Godwin and Hopwood, in Lagos. The firm, which later became Godwin, Hopwood and Kuye (GHK) in 1989, became a crucible for architectural talent, mentoring countless young professionals who went on to achieve significant careers. Jill was not just a partner; she was a principal designer and supervisor for many of their most iconic structures, including St. Mary’s School Lagos, the Godwin and Hopwood Boyle Street Office, Allen & Hanbury House, Bookshop House, WAEC Building Yaba, Niger House, and Guinness Breweries. Her contributions were recognized with a Fellowship of the Nigerian Institute of Architects.
Beyond her architectural practice, Jill was a tireless volunteer. She served on the Corona Schools Trust Council and held various leadership positions, including President (1990-1991), within Soroptimist International. Her immense contributions to Nigeria were officially acknowledged in 2008 with the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR), followed by her acquisition of Nigerian citizenship in 2011 – a testament to her deep integration and love for the nation.
Jill’s collaborative spirit extended to her literary work with John. Their significant books, The Architecture of Demas Nwoko (2007), Sandbank City – Lagos at 150 (2012), and A Photographer’s Odyssey – Lagos Island 1954-2014 (2015), have become invaluable resources for understanding Nigeria’s history, architecture, and urban evolution. Ben Tosland’s 2023 monograph, Who Are Godwin and Hopwood, further explores their pioneering form of tropical modernism.
A lifelong passion for photography, sparked at the age of eight, became a crucial tool in Jill’s documentation of Nigeria. Arriving in 1954, she meticulously captured the changing face of Lagos, from the striking indigo textiles worn by local women to the rapid demolition of historic buildings. Her photographs, often developed in her own makeshift darkroom, formed the basis of her Odyssey and featured in numerous exhibitions, preserving vital visual records for future generations.
Jill’s “behind-the-scenes” contributions to Legacy, an organization dedicated to heritage preservation, were immense. From its nascent stages in the early 1990s, she provided strategic insights. Later, her meticulous efforts led the digitalization and cataloguing of the Baba Shettima photographic collection – over 3,000 negatives spanning the 1940s to 1970s. This culminated in the acclaimed “Nigeria in Transition” exhibition in 2008, showcasing her dedication to saving crucial historical archives.
Known for her sharp attention to detail, eagerness to embrace new technology, and generous spirit in sharing knowledge, Jill Godwin inspired many, often guiding those much younger than herself. Her perceptive wisdom, sharp wit, and warm hospitality will be profoundly missed by all who knew her.
Gillian Godwin’s life was a treasure trove of architectural achievement, cultural documentation, and selfless service. She leaves behind a remarkable legacy that will continue to inspire architects, historians, and heritage enthusiasts for generations. She is survived by her son, Tony, and daughter, Carey.
