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Seated woman writing, 1952. Creator: Shirley Markham
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Seated woman writing, 1952. Creator: Shirley Markham
Seated woman writing, 1952. 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 18266289
© Shirley Markham Collection / Heritage-Images
1950s Fifties Markham Retro Shirley Shirley Jane Shirley Jane Markham Shirley Markham Shirley Waite Waite Wash
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This print captures a moment frozen in time, showcasing the talent and potential of Shirley Markham, an artist whose work remained hidden for many years. In "Seated woman writing, 1952" we see a glimpse into Markham's world as she sits at a desk, deep in thought and concentration. Her hand gracefully moves across the page, capturing her thoughts with every stroke of the pen. Markham's artistic journey began at Central School of Art in London where she studied Graphic Design and Illustration under the guidance of renowned artist Mervyn Peake. Influenced by British illustrators such as Edward Ardizzone, Quentin Blake, and Edward Bawden, Markham developed her own unique style that is evident in this piece. While her career showed great promise after graduating from Central School of Art, societal expectations during that era led Markham to abandon her artistic pursuits when she married in 1957. Middle-class women were expected to focus on raising children and managing household responsibilities rather than pursuing their passions. For decades, Markham's portfolio remained tucked away in the family attic until now. This print offers us a rare opportunity to appreciate her talent and creativity that was once overshadowed by societal norms. It serves as a reminder that art should never be silenced or forgotten but celebrated for its ability to transcend time and inspire generations to come.
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