Did you know that over 200 Penguin Crime fiction covers, as well as the design grid for Penguin Crime, Penguin Fiction, and Pelican (Penguin’s non-fiction imprint), were created by a Polish graphic designer, Romek Marber?

In 1939, at the young age of 14, Marber who lived through the devastating German invasion of Poland. He survived Auschwitz, Flossenbürg, and Plattling concentration camps, as well as the death marches. This tragic period of his life inspired him to write the memoir “No Return: Journeys in the Holocaust”.

After the war, Marber moved to Italy and later, in 1946, settled in Great Britain, where he studied graphic design at Saint Martin’s School of Art and later on at the Royal College of Art in London.

Marber made a significant mark on the British design scene, designing over 200 Penguin Crime fiction covers. As graphic design writer Rick Poynor noted: “Seen as a series, these emerge as one of the outstanding achievements of British book cover design”. He also became the first Art Director of “The Observer Magazine” and designed the iconic Nicholson Guides to London.

His distinctive covers were featured in leading British publications like “The Economist” and “New Society”. His work was also showcased by Columbia Pictures, the BBC, and Secret Films, among many others. Artis-curator Kaavous Clayton described Marber’s work as “in one way humble and modest, [which] at the same time [has] a gentle insistence that you cannot ignore”.

Beyond his professional achievements, Marber was dedicated to supporting young creative talent. He helped establish some of the UK’s first BA degree courses in graphic design and was one of the pioneers in developing programs for scientific and technical illustration.

In 2015, the Galicia Jewish Museum in Krakow held the first Polish exhibition of Marber’s works. The collection displayed his magazine layouts, book covers, film animations, maps, and more. The museum also organised a special day trip to locations tied to Marber’s wartime experiences and invited him to share his story.

Romek Marber’s story is one of resilience and creativity. His legacy is a testament to the power of art and perseverance, ensuring his influence on graphic design will not be forgotten.

Find out more about Romek Marber and discover his numerous designs HERE.