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Fireside scene, c1950. Creator: Shirley Markham
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Fireside scene, c1950. Creator: Shirley Markham
Fireside scene, c1950. Slippers warming on the hearth. 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 18265697
© Shirley Markham Collection / Heritage-Images
1950s Armchair Cats Cosy Drawing Room Feline Felines Fifties Fireplace Hearth Lamp Living Room Lounge Mantelpiece Markham Shirley Shirley Jane Shirley Jane Markham Shirley Markham Shirley Waite Sitting Room Slipper Slippers Waite Gouache
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This fireside scene, captured by Shirley Markham in the 1950s, exudes warmth and tranquility. The print showcases a pair of slippers gently warming on the hearth, evoking a sense of comfort and domestic bliss. Shirley Markham was an accomplished artist who studied Graphic Design and Illustration at Central School of Art in London under the guidance of renowned writer, artist, poet, and illustrator Mervyn Peake. Her unique style was also influenced by other notable British illustrators such as Edward Ardizzone, Quentin Blake, and Edward Bawden. Markham's artistic journey took her to Italy's Dolomite Mountains where she sketched classical buildings in Rome. After completing her studies at Central School of Art, she embarked on a successful career as a graphic designer producing book illustrations, comics cartoons menus, and programs. However promising her career may have been though; societal expectations during that era led Markham to abandon her professional aspirations when she married in 1957. Middle-class women were expected to focus their energies on raising children and managing household affairs. For years after leaving the art world behind, Markham's portfolio remained hidden away in the family attic until now. This print offers viewers an exclusive glimpse into her talent for the first time since its publication by Heritage Images (not for commercial use). It serves as a testament to both Markham's skillful craftsmanship and the barriers faced by women artists during that period.
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