Edward Molyneux was born in Hampstead, London. He was educated at Beaumount College, but had to leave prematurely following the death of his father and subsequently pursued his ambitions as a painter and illustrator.

 

He had early success in the world of fashion having been taken under the wing of celebrated couturier Lucile (the pseudonym of Lady Duff Gordon). He became her assistant designer in Paris and also worked for her in New York.

 

His career was interrupted by the First World War. He fought at the battle of Arras , obtaining the rank of Captain but sadly losing an eye in battle.

 

After a brief spell back with Lucile, he subsequently opened his own fashion house in Paris, followed by Monte Carlo, Cannes and London in 1932. His distinctive style with its understated elegance gained rapid traction with the aristocracy and high society of the time including Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent, Greta Garbo, Marlene Dietrich and Vivien Leigh amongst many other high profile figures.

 

He painted throughout his life, exhibiting at the Galerie Weill, Paris and the Hammer Galleries in New York. Buyers of his work included the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and Greta Garbo. He was also an avid collector with a collection that included Monet, Manet and Picasso.

 

He mixed socially with prominent figures of the time such as Noel Coward and Harold Nicolson (who he had an affair with) - the husband of Vita Sackville-West.

 

A beautiful picture by a fascinating and talented character.