Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Towns > Shirley
Man standing over cowering woman, 1952. Creator: Shirley Markham
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images
Man standing over cowering woman, 1952. Creator: Shirley Markham
Man standing over cowering woman, 1952. 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 18265983
© Shirley Markham Collection / Heritage-Images
1950s Afraid Alarm Angry Argument Cowering Desk Despair Desperate Domestic Abuse Domestic Violence Fifties Frighten Frightened Frightening Markham Retro Scared Scrutoire Shirley Shirley Jane Shirley Jane Markham Shirley Markham Shirley Waite Threatening Violence Violent Waite Writing Desk Gouache
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Artists
> Related Images
> 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 powerful print captures a moment of tension and vulnerability, frozen in time. Taken in 1952 by Shirley Markham, a talented graphic designer and illustrator, the image depicts a man standing over a cowering woman. The intensity of their interaction is palpable, leaving viewers with an array of emotions to unpack. Markham's artistic style was heavily influenced by her tutor Mervyn Peake and other renowned British illustrators like Edward Ardizzone, Quentin Blake, and Edward Bawden. Her training at the Central School of Art in London equipped her with the skills to create thought-provoking visual narratives. Despite her undeniable talent and promising career prospects as a graphic designer, Markham made the difficult decision to give up her profession after getting married in 1957. In those times, societal expectations placed immense pressure on middle-class women to prioritize homemaking and child-rearing over personal aspirations. For years, Markham's portfolio remained hidden away in the family attic until now. This print represents one of many previously unpublished works that are finally being shared with the world. It serves as a testament not only to Markham's skill but also highlights the challenges faced by women during that era who struggled to balance their creative ambitions with societal norms. Through this image captured by Shirley Markham's lens all those years ago, we are reminded of both the power dynamics within relationships and how societal pressures can impact individual choices.
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.
