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Oral history; interview with Enid Marx, circa 1980

Main details

Main details for this item.
Reference number
2016/679
Description
Moquette designer Enid Marx talks about working for Frank Pick and the process of designing moquette.
Interviewee
Enid Marx
Dates
1980
Collection
Object type
  • Oral history
Topics
Completeness
65%
  • Physical description

    Item content
    AttributeValue
    Object title
    Oral history interview with Enid Marx, circa 1990
  • Interview summary

    Enid Marx (EM) describes background to an approach from London Transport (LT) to design textiles in 1936. Recalls working brief "dazzle, dirt and scale" and need for an LT house style. Mentions that she was working for Chatto & Windus, the book publishers, and that company house styles were being developed. [00.04.00] Describes the general background to the design and development of textiles in Europe.[00.06.54] Remembers that when LT asked her for some designs several other designers including Marion Dorn and Paul Nash were also asked to submit materials. Gives some information on the work of these two designers. Recalls producing three or four moquette designs for LT.[00.09.00] Remembers manufacturing problems with early designs and explains process for making cut and uncut moquettes. Describes differences between cut and uncut. Recalls writing to Frank Pick to discuss production problems and visiting manufacturers. Notes that manufacturers were reluctant to discuss problems with designers. [00.16.43] Discusses the views of contemporary artists on designing for LT under Frank Pick. Comments on modern design of TVs and flowering of design in 1930s. Gives examples of book jacket designs. [00.22.29] Summarises work for LT and recalls poster designs for exhibitions. Recalls that work for LT helped her get work for the Board of Trade in WWII on utility materials.[00.26.00] Describes the work of other designers. Remembers discussing LT designs with contemporary designers and friends. Notes their comments and gives some factors affecting the pattern design.
  • People involved

    RolePerson(s) involved
    Interviewer
    Oliver Green, 1980
    Interviewee
    Enid Marx
  • Associated companies, people and places

    People
    AttributeValue
    People
    Paul Nash -
    Frank Pick -

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