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Worried woman, c1950. Creator: Shirley Markham
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Worried woman, c1950. Creator: Shirley Markham
Worried woman, 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 18266635
© Shirley Markham Collection / Heritage-Images
1950s Anxiety Anxious Depressed Fifties Markham Miserable Retro Shirley Shirley Jane Shirley Jane Markham Shirley Markham Shirley Waite Waite Worried Worry
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This print captures the essence of a worried woman in the 1950s, beautifully depicted by creator Shirley Markham. A talented artist and illustrator, Markham studied Graphic Design and Illustration at Central School of Art in London under the guidance of renowned writer and artist Mervyn Peake. Influenced by esteemed British illustrators like Edward Ardizzone, Quentin Blake, and Edward Bawden, her unique style emerged. Markham's artistic journey took her to Italy's Dolomite Mountains and Rome, where she sketched classical buildings that would later inspire her work. After graduating from Central, she embarked on a successful career as a graphic designer, creating book illustrations, comics cartoons, menus, and programs. However promising her path seemed professionally, societal expectations for middle-class women during that era dictated otherwise. In 1957 when she married, Markham made the difficult decision to abandon her flourishing career. Despite possessing undeniable talent as an illustrator, she lacked confidence in returning to this field. For years thereafter, Markham's portfolio remained tucked away in the family attic until now – finally seeing the light of day through its publication here for the first time. This remarkable collection serves as a testament not only to Markham's skill but also sheds light on the limitations faced by women artists during that period.
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