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Drapers shop, 1951. Creator: Shirley Markham
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Drapers shop, 1951. Creator: Shirley Markham
Drapers shop, 1951. 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 18265691
© Shirley Markham Collection / Heritage-Images
1950s Buying Cloth Draper Fifties Haberdashery Markham Material Shirley Shirley Jane Shirley Jane Markham Shirley Markham Shirley Waite Waite
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This print captures the essence of a Drapers shop in 1951, showcasing the remarkable talent of creator Shirley Markham. A graduate from Central School of Art in London, Markham's artistic journey was shaped by influential tutors such as Mervyn Peake and renowned British illustrators like Edward Ardizzone, Quentin Blake, and Edward Bawden. Markham's experiences in Italy left an indelible mark on her work as she sketched classical buildings during her time spent in the Dolomite Mountains and Rome. After completing her studies at Central, she embarked on a successful career as a graphic designer, lending her skills to book illustrations, comic cartoons, menus, and programmes. However promising her path seemed, societal expectations prevailed when Markham married in 1957. Middle-class women were often expected to prioritize their roles as homemakers and mothers over professional pursuits. Despite possessing undeniable talent, Markham lacked the confidence to return to illustration after starting a family. For years following her departure from the art world, Markham's portfolio remained tucked away in the family attic until now. With great pride and excitement for this momentous occasion, we present these previously unpublished works that showcase Shirley Markham's exceptional artistic vision for all to appreciate. Let us celebrate this rediscovered talent without commercial intentions but with utmost admiration for an artist whose legacy has finally come into light once again.
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