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Woman with bow, c1950. Creator: Shirley Markham
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Woman with bow, c1950. Creator: Shirley Markham
Woman with bow, c1950. Fashion illustration. 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 18266069
© Shirley Markham Collection / Heritage-Images
1950s Fascinator Fifties Hair Decoration Markham Retro Shirley Shirley Jane Shirley Jane Markham Shirley Markham Shirley Waite Striped Stripes Waite
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This print titled "Woman with bow, c1950" showcases the artistic brilliance of Shirley Markham. A talented fashion illustrator, Markham's work reflects her training at Central School of Art in London during the early 1950s. Under the guidance of renowned artist Mervyn Peake and inspired by British illustrators like Edward Ardizzone, Quentin Blake, and Edward Bawden, Markham developed a unique style that exudes elegance and charm. Markham's creative journey took her to Italy's Dolomite Mountains and Rome where she sketched classical buildings, adding depth to her artistic repertoire. After graduating from Central School of Art, she embarked on a successful career as a graphic designer producing book illustrations, comics cartoons, menus, and programs. However promising her professional path seemed, societal expectations prevailed when Markham married in 1957. Middle-class women during this era were often encouraged to prioritize their roles as homemakers and mothers over pursuing careers. Despite possessing undeniable talent as an illustrator, Markham lacked the confidence to return to her craft. For years following her marriage, Markham's portfolio remained hidden away in the family attic until now. With this publication marking its debut appearance outside familial confines; we are privileged to witness the rediscovery of Shirley Markham's remarkable body of work—a testament not only to her immense talent but also shedding light on the challenges faced by women artists during that time period.
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