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Seated man and dog studies, c1950. Creator: Shirley Markham
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Seated man and dog studies, c1950. Creator: Shirley Markham
Seated man and dog studies, c1950. Shirley Markham (1931-1999) studied Graphic Design and Illustration at Central School of Art in London from 1950-1952. The writer, artist, poet, and illustrator Mervyn Peake (1911-1968) was one of her tutors, and her style of drawing was also influenced by other British illustrators such as Edward Ardizzone, Quentin Blake and Edward Bawden. Markham spent time in the Dolomite Mountains in Italy, and also visited Rome, sketching classical buildings. After graduating from Central, she worked as a graphic designer, producing book illustrations, cartoons for comics, menus and programmes. She gave up her promising career however when she got married in 1957. Middle-class women at that time were expected to devote their energies to bringing up children and running the home, and despite her obvious talent, she lacked the confidence to return to illustration. Her portfolio remained in the family attic for many years, but now her work is published here for the first time
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Media ID 18265803
© Shirley Markham Collection / Heritage-Images
1950s Cigarette Cigarettes Fifties Markham Shirley Shirley Jane Shirley Jane Markham Shirley Markham Shirley Waite Waite
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This print titled "Seated man and dog studies, c1950" captures the essence of a bygone era. Created by Shirley Markham, a talented artist and illustrator, this piece reflects her unique style influenced by renowned British illustrators such as Edward Ardizzone, Quentin Blake, and Edward Bawden. Markham's artistic journey began at Central School of Art in London during the early 1950s. Under the guidance of Mervyn Peake, an accomplished writer, artist, poet, and illustrator himself, she honed her skills in graphic design and illustration. Her passion for drawing led her to explore classical buildings in Rome and sketch picturesque scenes in the Dolomite Mountains of Italy. After graduating from Central School of Art with great promise ahead of her career-wise, Markham made a difficult decision when she got married in 1957. In those times when societal expectations weighed heavily on middle-class women like herself to prioritize family life over professional pursuits outside the home sphere; she reluctantly abandoned her blossoming career as an illustrator. For years following her marriage, Markham's remarkable portfolio remained tucked away in the family attic until now. Finally seeing the light of day after all these years is a testament to both her talent as an artist and our appreciation for rediscovering forgotten gems from history. In publishing Markham's work here for the first time ever (not for commercial use), we celebrate not only her artistic prowess but also shed light on a period where many talented women were forced to put their dreams aside due to societal pressures.
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