Skip to navigationSkip to content
A bold and decorative illustration of a cat surrounded by birds and fish.

Enid Marx

25 May – 23 September 2018
Exhibited at the House of Illustration

A landmark exhibition celebrating print, pattern and popular art by mid-century designer Enid Marx.

Enid Marx (1902-1998) was a textile designer, printmaker and illustrator who, alongside her contemporaries Eric Ravilious and Edward Bawden, defined mid-century design.

Best known for her iconic London underground fabrics, she was one of the first ever women to be named a Royal Designer for Industry. She also created textiles for the wartime Utility Furniture Scheme, patterned paper for Curwen Press, book covers for King Penguin and the stamps for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation.

The exhibition coincided with the 20th anniversary of her death. It brought together over 150 pieces from private and public collections, many displayed for the first time.

Selected reviews and articles:

"Remarkable"

Creative Review

“Few designer-illustrators can claim to be as influential as Marx 20 years after her death”

Evening Standard

Wall display featuring artworks by Enid Marx at the exhibition

Display view, Enid Marx at House of Illustration.

Visitors looking at artwork in the exhibition

Visitors at Enid Marx at House of Illustration.

A deep red book cover with a repeated moth print

Cover for Some British Moths, King Penguin 1945.

Red and green chevron pattern

Chevron moquette for London Passenger Transport Board 1937.

An intricate wavy black, white and red pattern

Study for Shield 1944-5 pencil and gouache on paper.

All artworks © Estate of Enid Marx
All photographs © Paul Grover

See What's On

Explore our Past Exhibitions