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Young men at a funfair, c1950. Creator: Shirley Markham
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Young men at a funfair, c1950. Creator: Shirley Markham
Young men at a funfair, 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 18265875
© Shirley Markham Collection / Heritage-Images
1950s Fair Fifties Funfair Markham Shirley Shirley Jane Shirley Jane Markham Shirley Markham Shirley Waite Stall Waite Fast Food
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This photo print, titled "Young men at a funfair, c1950" captures the vibrant spirit of youth and the joyous atmosphere of a bygone era. Created by Shirley Markham, an immensely talented artist and illustrator, this piece showcases her unique style influenced by renowned British illustrators such as Edward Ardizzone and Quentin Blake. Markham's artistic journey began at Central School of Art in London where she studied Graphic Design and Illustration from 1950 to 1952 under the guidance of Mervyn Peake. Her passion for drawing was further nurtured during her travels to Italy's Dolomite Mountains and Rome, which inspired her sketches of classical buildings. After graduating from Central, Markham embarked on a successful career as a graphic designer, lending her creative touch to book illustrations, comic cartoons, menus, and programs. However, societal expectations prevailed when she married in 1957. Middle-class women were often encouraged to prioritize their roles as homemakers and mothers over professional pursuits. Consequently, Markham reluctantly set aside her promising career in illustration. For years thereafter, Markham's remarkable portfolio remained hidden away in the family attic until now. With great pride and excitement, we present these previously unpublished works that showcase not only Markham's immense talent but also shed light on the challenges faced by women artists during that time. This print serves as both a visual delight capturing youthful exuberance at a fairground while also offering insight into an artist whose potential was tragically unfulfilled due to societal constraints.
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