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Behind the bar, 1952. Creator: Shirley Markham
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Behind the bar, 1952. Creator: Shirley Markham
Behind the bar, 1952. Illustration for " Mr Polly" by HG Wells. 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 18265951
© Shirley Markham Collection / Heritage-Images
1950s Bar Tender Barman Barrel Barrels Fifties Herbert George Herbert George Wells Hg Wells Landlady Markham Public House Shirley Shirley Jane Shirley Jane Markham Shirley Markham Shirley Waite Tavern Waite Wells
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This photo print, titled "Behind the bar, 1952" captures a moment frozen in time. Created by Shirley Markham, an immensely talented artist and illustrator, this piece was originally intended as an illustration for H. G. Wells' novel "Mr Polly". 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 at Central, Markham had the privilege of being taught by Mervyn Peake, a renowned writer, artist, poet, and illustrator. His influence can be seen in her unique style of drawing which also draws inspiration from other celebrated British illustrators like Edward Ardizzone, Quentin Blake, and Edward Bawden. Markham's passion for art extended beyond the borders of England as she spent time exploring the Dolomite Mountains in Italy and sketching classical buildings during her visit to Rome. After graduating from Central with a promising career ahead of her as a graphic designer producing book illustrations, cartoons for comics, menus and programmes; however everything changed when she got married in 1957. In those times it was expected that middle-class women would focus their energies on raising children and managing household affairs. Despite her undeniable talent as an artist and illustrator though lacking confidence to return to illustration after marriage led Markham to give up on what could have been a flourishing career. For many years her portfolio remained hidden away in the family attic until now when we are fortunate enough to witness its brilliance published here for the first time.
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