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Dead plants on a windowsill, 1952. Creator: Shirley Markham
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Dead plants on a windowsill, 1952. Creator: Shirley Markham
Dead plants on a windowsill, 1952. 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 18266203
© Shirley Markham Collection / Heritage-Images
1950s Dead Fifties Flower Pot Flowerpot Markham Retro Shirley Shirley Jane Shirley Jane Markham Shirley Markham Shirley Waite Waite Window Sill Windowsill
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This print titled "Dead plants on a windowsill, 1952" by Shirley Markham offers a glimpse into the artist's unique perspective and influences. Markham, a talented graphic designer and illustrator, studied at the prestigious Central School of Art in London during the early 1950s. Under the guidance of renowned writer and artist Mervyn Peake, as well as other notable British illustrators like Edward Ardizzone, Quentin Blake, and Edward Bawden, Markham developed her distinct style of drawing. During her time in Italy's Dolomite Mountains and Rome, Markham sketched classical buildings that further shaped her artistic vision. However, despite her promising career prospects after graduating from Central School of Art, societal expectations for middle-class women prevailed. In 1957 she married and chose to dedicate herself to raising children and managing household responsibilities. For years, Markham's remarkable portfolio remained hidden away in the family attic until now. This publication marks its long-awaited debut to showcase her exceptional talent once again. The featured photograph captures dead plants resting on a windowsill with an intriguing sense of melancholy beauty—a testament to Markham's ability to find artistry even in life's fleeting moments. Through this rediscovered work by Shirley Markham (1931-1999), we are reminded not only of one woman's untapped potential but also reflect upon the limitations placed upon women during that era.
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