Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Towns > Shirley
Ambush in an alley, c1950. Creator: Shirley Markham
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images
Ambush in an alley, c1950. Creator: Shirley Markham
Ambush in an alley, c1950. 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
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 18265699
© Shirley Markham Collection / Heritage-Images
1950s Alley Ambush Attack Attacking Dramatic Fifties Gaslight Illuminate Illuminated Illumination Lamp Light Lamplight Lamppost Lit Up Markham Mugging Retro Shirley Shirley Jane Shirley Jane Markham Shirley Markham Shirley Waite Silhouette Streetlighting Waite Gouache Noir
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Artists
> Related Images
> Arts
> Portraits
> Pop art gallery
> Street art portraits
> Europe
> Italy
> Heritage Sites
> The Dolomites
> Europe
> Italy
> Lazio
> Rome
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Towns
> Shirley
> Heritage Images
> 1950s Retro
> Popular Themes
> Poets
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print titled "Ambush in an alley, c1950" showcases the remarkable talent of Shirley Markham, a gifted artist and illustrator. Trained at the prestigious Central School of Art in London during the early 1950s, Markham was fortunate to have Mervyn Peake, a renowned writer, artist, poet, and illustrator as one of her tutors. Her distinctive style draws inspiration from esteemed British illustrators such as Edward Ardizzone, Quentin Blake, and Edward Bawden. Markham's artistic journey took her beyond the borders of England to the picturesque Dolomite Mountains in Italy where she immersed herself in sketching classical buildings found in Rome. After completing her studies at Central School of Art, she embarked on a successful career as a graphic designer. Her creative prowess extended to producing book illustrations, comics cartoons menus for restaurants and programs for various events. However promising her professional life seemed to be shaping up; societal expectations prevailed when she married in 1957. Middle-class women during that era were often expected to prioritize their roles as homemakers and mothers over pursuing their careers or artistic aspirations. Regrettably influenced by these norms and lacking confidence in her own abilities despite evident talent; Markham reluctantly abandoned illustration altogether. For many years following this decision, Markham's portfolio remained hidden away within the confines of her family's attic until now when it is finally being unveiled to the world for its first publication. This long-overdue recognition allows us all to appreciate Shirley Markham's exceptional artistry that had been overshadowed by societal constraints but can now shine brightly once again.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
