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Sleeping dog and cat, c1951. Creator: Shirley Markham
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Sleeping dog and cat, c1951. Creator: Shirley Markham
Sleeping dog and cat, c1951. 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 18266627
© Shirley Markham Collection / Heritage-Images
1950s Cats Cosy Feline Felines Fifties Hearth Markham Shirley Shirley Jane Shirley Jane Markham Shirley Markham Shirley Waite Spots Waite Gouache Graphic Design
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This photo print, titled "Sleeping dog and cat, c1951" showcases the artistic talent of Shirley Markham. Born in 1931, Markham honed her skills in Graphic Design and Illustration at London's Central School of Art from 1950 to 1952. During this time, she had the privilege of being tutored by Mervyn Peake, a renowned writer, artist, poet, and illustrator. Markham's unique style of drawing was heavily influenced by prominent British illustrators like Edward Ardizzone, Quentin Blake, and Edward Bawden. Her passion for art took her beyond the borders of England as she spent time in Italy's Dolomite Mountains and Rome. It was during these journeys that she sketched classical buildings which further enriched her creative repertoire. After graduating from Central School of Art with much promise ahead of her career-wise, Markham made a life-altering decision when she got married in 1957. In those times, societal expectations dictated that middle-class women focus their energies on raising children and managing household affairs. Despite possessing undeniable talent as an illustrator, Markham lacked the confidence to pursue it further. For many years following her marriage, Markham's impressive portfolio remained hidden away in the family attic until now. Today marks a significant milestone as we unveil her remarkable work to the world for the very first time. This print serves as a testament to Shirley Markham's immense potential as an artist whose talents were unfortunately overshadowed by societal norms but are finally receiving long-overdue recognition today.
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