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Country Code, 1951. Creator: Shirley Markham
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Country Code, 1951. Creator: Shirley Markham
Country Code, 1951. Illustration for cover of Ministry of Agriculture information leaflet. 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 18266115
© Shirley Markham Collection / Heritage-Images
1950s Fifties Harvest Harvesting Haystack Markham Rake Shirley Shirley Jane Shirley Jane Markham Shirley Markham Shirley Waite Waite Gouache Ministry Of Agriculture
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This print titled "Country Code, 1951" showcases the remarkable talent of Shirley Markham, a gifted artist and illustrator. Created as an illustration for the cover of a Ministry of Agriculture information leaflet, this piece exemplifies Markham's unique style and artistic prowess. Markham's artistic journey began at the Central School of Art in London, where she studied Graphic Design and Illustration from 1950 to 1952. Under the tutelage of renowned writer, artist, poet, and illustrator Mervyn Peake, her skills flourished. Influenced by esteemed British illustrators like Edward Ardizzone, Quentin Blake, and Edward Bawden, Markham developed her own distinctive approach to drawing. During her time in Italy's Dolomite Mountains and Rome, Markham found inspiration in classical architecture which is evident in this particular artwork. After graduating from Central School of Art with great promise ahead of her career-wise; however societal expectations prevailed when she married in 1957. Middle-class women during that era were often expected to focus their energies on domestic responsibilities rather than pursuing professional aspirations. Sadly abandoning her flourishing career as a graphic designer producing book illustrations, cartoons for comics menus and programmes; Markham lacked the confidence to return to illustration despite her undeniable talent. Her portfolio remained hidden away in the family attic for many years until now when it is finally being published for all to appreciate. Through this long-awaited publication showcasing Shirley Markham's exceptional work for the first time publicly; we can celebrate not only her immense talent but also shed light on how societal norms hindered countless women from fully realizing their creative potential during that era.
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