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North Star, one of the earliest steam trains, c1950. Creator: Shirley Markham
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North Star, one of the earliest steam trains, c1950. Creator: Shirley Markham
North Star, one of the earliest steam trains, 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
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Media ID 18265935
© Shirley Markham Collection / Heritage-Images
1950s Carriage Fifties Markham Robert Stephenson Shirley Shirley Jane Shirley Jane Markham Shirley Markham Shirley Waite Steam Locomotive Steam Train Stephenson Train Waite North Star
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the iconic North Star, one of the earliest steam trains, captured in the 1950s by talented artist Shirley Markham. With a background in Graphic Design and Illustration from London's Central School of Art, Markham's artistic style was greatly influenced by renowned British illustrators such as Mervyn Peake, Edward Ardizzone, Quentin Blake, and Edward Bawden. During her time at Central School of Art, Markham had the privilege of being mentored by Mervyn Peake himself - a writer, artist, poet, and illustrator. Her passion for drawing was further nurtured during her visits to Italy's Dolomite Mountains and Rome where she sketched classical buildings. After graduating from Central School of Art, Markham embarked on a successful career as a graphic designer. She lent her creative talents to various projects including book illustrations, cartoons for comics, menus, and programmes. However promising her career appeared to be at that time period; societal expectations prevailed when she got married in 1957. Middle-class women were expected to prioritize their roles as homemakers and mothers over professional pursuits. Sadly but not uncommonly for many women during this era, Maryam lacked confidence upon leaving her profession behind. She eventually abandoned illustration altogether. Her remarkable portfolio remained hidden away in the family attic until now when it is finally published here for all to appreciate. Markham’s work serves as an important reminder of both the immense talent that often goes unrecognized due to societal constraints placed upon women during those times, and also highlights how far we have come today with regards to gender equality.
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