Studied philosophy, law, sociology and economics in Berlin, Heidelberg, Kiel and Basel from 1928-1934. After completing her doctorate at the University of Basel in 1934, secretary to Karl Wolfskehl in Florence, Camogli and Recco. Emigrated with Wolfskehl to New Zealand in 1938. After Wolfskehl's death, married Hans Selwyn in 1948. Moved to London in 1957. 1971 moved to Marbach am Neckar.