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Woman in strapless ballgown, c1952. Creator: Shirley Markham
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Woman in strapless ballgown, c1952. Creator: Shirley Markham
Woman in strapless ballgown, c1952. Fashion illustration. 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 18266523
© Shirley Markham Collection / Heritage-Images
1950s Bodice Evening Dress Fifties Full Skirt Markham Retro Shirley Shirley Jane Shirley Jane Markham Shirley Markham Shirley Waite Skirt Strapless Waite Gouache
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This print showcases a stunning woman in a strapless ballgown, captured in the year 1952 by the talented creator Shirley Markham. Markham, who studied Graphic Design and Illustration at Central School of Art in London during the early 1950s, was greatly influenced by renowned British illustrators such as Edward Ardizzone, Quentin Blake, and Edward Bawden. Her unique style of drawing was also shaped by her tutor Mervyn Peake, an accomplished writer, artist, poet, and illustrator. During her time as a student, Markham had the opportunity to travel to Italy where she explored the Dolomite Mountains and sketched classical buildings in Rome. After graduating from Central School of Art, she embarked on a successful career as a graphic designer producing book illustrations, cartoons for comics, menus, and programmes. However promising her professional path appeared to be at that time period for women like herself belonging to middle-class families were expected to prioritize raising children and managing household affairs over pursuing their careers. Consequently, in 1957 when she got married, she made the difficult decision to give up her artistic pursuits. Sadly, this lack of confidence prevented Markham from returning to illustration despite her evident talent. Her remarkable portfolio remained hidden away in the family attic for many years until now when it is finally being published for all art enthusiasts and admirers alike. This print serves as a testament not only to Shirley Markham's exceptional skill but also sheds light on societal expectations placed upon women during that era
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