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Chair with striped seat, 1951. Creator: Shirley Markham
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Chair with striped seat, 1951. Creator: Shirley Markham
Chair with striped seat, 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 18265831
© Shirley Markham Collection / Heritage-Images
1950s Fifties Markham Shirley Shirley Jane Shirley Jane Markham Shirley Markham Shirley Waite Striped Upholstered Upholstery Waite
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This print showcases a Chair with striped seat, created in 1951 by the talented artist 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 like Mervyn Peake, Edward Ardizzone, Quentin Blake, and Edward Bawden. During her time as a student, Markham had the privilege of being mentored by Mervyn Peake himself. Her unique style of drawing reflects this influence as well as her admiration for classical buildings which she sketched during her visits to Rome and the Dolomite Mountains in Italy. After graduating from Central School of Art, Markham embarked on a successful career as a graphic designer. She illustrated books, created cartoons for comics, designed menus and programmes. However, societal expectations placed upon middle-class women at that time led her to abandon her promising career when she got married in 1957. Despite possessing undeniable talent as an artist and illustrator, Markham lacked the confidence to return to her passion after starting a family. Consequently, her remarkable portfolio remained hidden away in the family attic for many years until now when it is finally being published for all to appreciate. This print serves not only as a testament to Shirley Markham's artistic prowess but also sheds light on the challenges faced by women artists during that era. It is an important reminder of how societal norms can stifle creativity and hinder individuals from pursuing their true passions.
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