Florence upton biography

American-English cartoonist and author (1873–1922)

Florence Kate Upton (22 February 1873–16 October 1922) was an American-born English cartoonist and author most famous for creating the Golliwog character, featured in a series of children's books.

Early life

Upton was born in Flushing, New York, to English parents who had immigrated to the United States. She was the second of four children in a creative and slightly eccentric household.

Florence's father, Thomas Harborough Upton, worked as a confidential clerk at the American Exchange Bank in New York.

Florence upton biography

In 1884, the family moved from Flushing to central Manhattan, which was more convenient for her father's daily journey to his office. The National Academy of Design, located near the new home, offered free instruction to anyone who could qualify.

This prompted her father to enroll in evening classes, and Florence, at 15 years old, joined him for the beginning of her formal art training.

Early care