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Woman watering plants, c1951. Creator: Shirley Markham
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Woman watering plants, c1951. Creator: Shirley Markham
Woman watering plants, c1951. Illustration for " The Boarding-House" by Charles Dickens. 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 18266247
© Shirley Markham Collection / Heritage-Images
1950s Charles Dickens Charles John Huffam Charles John Huffam Dickens Dickens Fifties Markham Shirley Shirley Jane Shirley Jane Markham Shirley Markham Shirley Waite Waite Watering Watering Can Graphic Design
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This photo print, titled "Woman watering plants, c1951" showcases the talent of Shirley Markham, a remarkable artist and illustrator. Created as an illustration for Charles Dickens' renowned novel "The Boarding-House" this piece reflects Markham's exceptional skill in capturing everyday scenes with a touch of elegance. Born in 1931, Markham pursued her passion for art by studying Graphic Design and Illustration at London's Central School of Art from 1950 to 1952. During her time there, she had the privilege of being mentored by Mervyn Peake, a celebrated writer, artist, poet, and illustrator. Influenced by prominent British illustrators like Edward Ardizzone, Quentin Blake, and Edward Bawden, Markham developed her own unique style characterized by its charm and attention to detail. Markham's artistic journey took her beyond the borders of England as she explored the picturesque Dolomite Mountains in Italy and sketched classical buildings in Rome. After graduating from Central School of Art, she embarked on a successful career as a graphic designer producing illustrations for books alongside creating cartoons for comics as well as menus and programmes. However promising her career was poised to be; societal expectations prevailed during that era when middle-class women were encouraged to prioritize homemaking over professional pursuits. Consequently, after marrying in 1957, Markham reluctantly set aside her artistic aspirations. For years her impressive portfolio remained tucked away in the family attic until now when we have the privilege to witness it published here for the first time. Let us celebrate Shirley Markham's extraordinary talent that has finally emerged from obscurity into our hearts once again.
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