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Woman holding a purse, c1952. Creator: Shirley Markham
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Woman holding a purse, c1952. Creator: Shirley Markham
Woman holding a purse, c1952. 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 18265857
© Shirley Markham Collection / Heritage-Images
1950s Apprehensive Fifties Isolated Loneliness Lonely Markham Purse Retro Shirley Shirley Jane Shirley Jane Markham Shirley Markham Shirley Waite Waite Worried Worry Clutch Bag
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This photo print, taken in 1952 by Shirley Markham, showcases a woman holding a purse. Markham, a talented artist and illustrator, studied Graphic Design and Illustration at the prestigious Central School of Art in London during the early 1950s. Under the guidance of renowned writer and artist Mervyn Peake, as well as other influential British illustrators like Edward Ardizzone, Quentin Blake, and Edward Bawden, Markham developed her unique style of drawing. During her time as a student, Markham had the opportunity to explore Italy's Dolomite Mountains and Rome. These experiences inspired her to sketch classical buildings that added depth to her artistic repertoire. After graduating from Central School of Art, she embarked on an impressive career as a graphic designer. Her work included book illustrations, cartoons for comics, menus, and programmes. However promising her career may have been though when she married in 1957 societal expectations dictated that middle-class women should focus their energies on raising children and managing household affairs. Despite possessing undeniable talent in illustration artistry herself doubt hindered Markham from returning to this passion. For years after leaving the professional art world behind her portfolio remained tucked away in the family attic until now when it is finally being published for all to appreciate anew. This remarkable print serves not only as an homage to Markham's skill but also sheds light on the limitations placed upon women during that era - limitations which prevented many talented individuals like Shirley from fully realizing their creative potential outside domestic roles
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