Elli Hirsch training center

Elli Hirsch was born in Berlin on March 23, 1873 under the name Aurelie Hirsch. She came from a Jewish family and showed artistic talent at an early age. After leaving school, she trained at the renowned Kunstgewerbemuseum Berlin, where her talent for illustration and design quickly became apparent.

She made a name for herself as a graphic designer and illustrator, particularly through her work for the Stollwerck chocolate company in Cologne. In the eight years she worked there, she designed over 100 collection images, posters, packaging and advertisements - and even contributed to the design of the company logo. A remarkable achievement at a time when women were still an exception in graphic design. 

In 1909, she married her former teacher and ended her professional career. From then on, she lived under the name Aurelie Doepler in the apartment they shared in Berlin's Uhlandstrasse. She continued to live there even after her husband's death - until she was forcibly expelled from her home in 1942 due to her Jewish origins.

Aurelie Doepler was deported to Theresienstadt. She died there on February 6, 1943. 

This entry was created as part of the exhibition „Defiance - Jewish Women and Design in the Modern Era“ at the Jewish Museum Berlin (July 11 to November 23, 2025). Further information on the exhibition can be found HERE and in the links below.