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Devil and fairy, Christmas card, 1952. Creator: Shirley Markham
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Devil and fairy, Christmas card, 1952. Creator: Shirley Markham
Devil and fairy, Christmas card, 1952. Design for a card with pantomime characters. 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 18266129
© Shirley Markham Collection / Heritage-Images
1950s Ballerina Christmas Christmas Card Devil Evil Fairy Fifties Good Greeting Card Greetings Card Magic Markham Panto Pantomime Retro Shirley Shirley Jane Shirley Jane Markham Shirley Markham Shirley Waite Tutu Waite Wand Fairy Godmother Gouache Mythical Beast Mythical Creature
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This print from 1952 showcases the imaginative Christmas card design of Shirley Markham. Inspired by pantomime characters, she skillfully portrays a mischievous devil and an enchanting fairy in this whimsical piece. Shirley Markham's artistic journey began at the Central School of Art in London, where she studied Graphic Design and Illustration under the guidance of renowned writer, artist, poet, and illustrator Mervyn Peake. Influenced by esteemed British illustrators like Edward Ardizzone, Quentin Blake, and Edward Bawden, her unique style emerged. During her time in Italy's Dolomite Mountains and Rome, Markham drew inspiration from classical architecture while sketching buildings. After graduating from Central School of Art, she embarked on a successful career as a graphic designer. Her work encompassed book illustrations, comics cartoons, menus for restaurants or events, and programme designs. However promising her professional path appeared to be, she made the difficult decision to give it up when she married in 1957. In those times, cultural expectations dictated that middle-class women focus their energies on raising children and managing household affairs. Despite possessing undeniable talent, Mrs. Markham lacked confidence to pursue illustration again. For many years, his remarkable portfolio remained hidden away in the family attic until now. Heritage Images proudly presents her work for the first time ever. This print serves as a testament to Shirley Markham's exceptional creativity, and we are honored to showcase her previously unseen artistry.
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