Wilhelm / Enid Marx

Small selection of designs: ten bought from 'Wilhelm' between 1932 and 1934; and four designed by Enid Marx RDI.

Enid Marx (1902-1998), second cousin thrice removed of the German philosopher Karl Marx, was a designer and artist who had a passion for patterns. Educated at Roedean School, Brighton, Sussex, Marx printed her first scarf while a schoolgirl. After training at the Central School of Art and Crafts (1921-1922), where she studied drawing, pottery and printed textile design, she proceeded to the Royal College of Art to take wood-engraving and painting. However, her refusal to toe the line meant that she failed to achieve her diploma. During her long career - spanning over 70 years - this distinguished designer produced a kaleidoscope of work including stamps, seating fabric and posters for London Transport, books and book-jackets, wrapping paper, logos, laminates for the wartime Utility Furniture Panel (she was awarded the coveted title Royal Designer for Industry in 1944), packaging labels, rugs and menu cards.