Florence K. Upton
Florence K. Upton, born on February 22, 1873, in Flushing, New York, was an American illustrator and author known for her creation of the Golliwogg character in children's literature. The daughter of British immigrants, Upton experienced a privileged childhood that shifted dramatically after her father's untimely death in 1889, prompting her to find work in illustration. In 1895, she and her mother published *The Adventures of Two Dutch Dolls—and a Golliwogg*, which introduced Golliwogg, a doll characterized by stereotypical features that gained popularity among children, despite being viewed unfavorably by adults. The success of this book led to a series of thirteen more Golliwogg titles, generating considerable acclaim and merchandise, although Upton and her mother did not secure copyrights for their creation.
After returning to the U.S. and studying art, Upton continued her career as an illustrator, eventually shifting her focus to portrait painting. Despite her earlier successes, her later works did not achieve the same recognition, with her only standalone book, *The Adventures of Borbee and the Wisp*, failing to resonate with audiences. During World War I, Upton contributed to humanitarian efforts, donating Golliwogg dolls for auction. She passed away on October 22, 1922, in London, and today her work is often viewed through a critical lens due to the racial implications associated with her Golliwogg character, which has drawn comparisons to other controversial representations in literature.
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Florence K. Upton
Writer
- Born: February 22, 1873
- Birthplace: Flushing, New York
- Died: October 22, 1922
- Place of death: London, England
Biography
Florence K. Upton was born on February 22, 1873, in Flushing, New York, the second of four children. Her parents, Thomas Harborough Upton and Bertha Upton, were British citizens who had emigrated to the United States and married in 1870. Florence enjoyed a privileged upbringing until 1889, when her father died suddenly. To help support the family, Florence found work as an illustrator.
In 1893, the family went back to London for a long visit, and discovered the world of children’s book publishing. Seeing a way to finance Florence’s attendance at art school, Bertha and Florence together published a book, The Adventures of Two Dutch Dolls—And a “Golliwogg,” with Bertha providing the words and Florence the illustrations. The Golliwogg of the title was a doll of Florence’s creation, a stereotypical black male doll with black fuzzy hair, round white eyes and a wide grin. Adults found him unattractive, but children loved him, and the book sold well. In the story, Golliwogg frightens and then befriends six other dolls in a toyshop, and the friends leave the shop for various adventures.
By the time the book came out, Bertha and Florence’s siblings had gone back to New York, but Florence stayed behind in England to establish her own career and adult life. The collaboration did not end, however. Bertha and Florence published thirteen more books in the Golliwogg series between 1896 and 1909. The series became a sensation, especially in England. Toy stores sold dolls based on the characters, and the Golliwogg became a popular figure. Florence and Bertha had not copyrighted the character of Golliwogg, however, and they made no money from the dolls or the other merchandise, which included board games, greeting cards and even books written and illustrated by others.
In 1897, Florence returned to the United States, and studied at the Art Students’ League in New York. After two unsuccessful books that did not feature Golliwogg, mother and daughter resumed their series with The Golliwogg at the Sea- Side in 1898. Florence moved with her family to France in 1901, and continued her studies in art. Five years later, the rest of the family returned again to New York, and Florence established a studio in London. She continued to work on the Golliwogg series with her mother until 1909, when the demand for the books had passed, and then settled into a new life painting portraits.
Florence wrote only one book herself, The Adventures of Borbee and the Wisp (1908). It was not a success. When World War I began, she donated original Golliwogg dolls and drawings to the Red Cross for an auction; they are now displayed at the Bethnal Green Museum of Childhood in London. Florence worked with the War Refugees Committee, and served as a volunteer nurse. On October 22, 1922, she died in London. In the twenty-first century, Florence Upton’s literary work is remembered primarily as a curiosity. Her Golliwogg, although gentlemanly and kind, is regarded as a parallel to the hopelessly racist character of Black Sambo.