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Woman in pink dressing gown, c1950. Creator: Shirley Markham
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Woman in pink dressing gown, c1950. Creator: Shirley Markham
Woman in pink dressing gown, c1950. Fashion illustration. 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 18266049
© Shirley Markham Collection / Heritage-Images
1950s Dressing Gown Dressinggown Fifties Markham Retro Shirley Shirley Jane Shirley Jane Markham Shirley Markham Shirley Waite Waite
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This print showcases a woman in a pink dressing gown, capturing the essence of 1950s fashion and elegance. Created by Shirley Markham, an incredibly talented artist and illustrator, this piece reflects her unique style influenced by renowned British illustrators such as Edward Ardizzone, Quentin Blake, and Edward Bawden. Markham's artistic journey began at the Central School of Art in London where she studied Graphic Design and Illustration from 1950 to 1952. During her time there, she was fortunate enough to be mentored by Mervyn Peake, a prominent writer, artist, poet, and illustrator. Her exposure to his expertise further enhanced her skills. The photograph also sheds light on the societal expectations placed upon middle-class women during that era. Despite Markham's promising career as a graphic designer with notable accomplishments like book illustrations and cartoons for comics under her belt, she made the difficult decision to give it up after getting married in 1957. The prevailing belief at that time dictated that women should focus solely on raising children and managing household responsibilities. Sadly, due to lacking confidence in herself as an illustrator post-marriage, Markham abandoned her passion for many years. However today we are privileged to have access to her remarkable portfolio which had been stored away in the family attic all these years. This publication marks the first time that her exceptional work is being shared with the world - a testament not only to Markham's talent but also an acknowledgment of society's evolving perspectives on gender roles and creative pursuits.
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