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Wedding group in churchyard, c1948. Creator: Shirley Markham
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Wedding group in churchyard, c1948. Creator: Shirley Markham
Wedding group in churchyard, c1948. Couple getting married, with guests throwing confetti. 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 18265799
© Shirley Markham Collection / Heritage-Images
Bride Bridegroom Celebrating Celebration Celebrations Churchyard Groom Guests Markham Paint Shirley Shirley Jane Shirley Jane Markham Shirley Markham Shirley Waite Waite Wedding Confetti
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This photo print, titled "Wedding group in churchyard, c1948" captures a joyous moment frozen in time. The bride and groom stand at the center of attention, surrounded by their beaming guests who shower them with confetti. Taken by Shirley Markham, a talented artist whose work remained hidden for decades, this image showcases her keen eye for detail and composition. Markham's artistic journey began at the Central School of Art in London during the early 1950s. Under the guidance of renowned tutor Mervyn Peake and inspired by British illustrators like Edward Ardizzone and Quentin Blake, she developed a distinctive style that blended elements of graphic design with illustration. During her studies, Markham also explored Italy's Dolomite Mountains and Rome, sketching classical buildings that would later influence her work. After graduating from Central School, she embarked on a successful career as a graphic designer producing book illustrations, comics cartoons, menus, and programs. However promising her professional path seemed to be, societal expectations prevailed when Markham married in 1957. Middle-class women were often expected to prioritize homemaking over careers outside the home. Despite her undeniable talent as an illustrator, Markham lacked confidence to return to her passion after marriage. For years following her retirement from artistry, Markham's portfolio lay dormant in the family attic until now. With great pride and admiration for Shirley Markham's talent finally coming to light again after all these years; we are honored to present this remarkable piece as part of our collection from Heritage Images (not commercial use).
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