author
Bertha Upton
1849–1912
Best remembered as the writer behind the Golliwogg stories, she worked closely with her daughter Florence Upton to create some of the most widely known children's picture books of the late Victorian era. Their books mixed playful adventure with bright, memorable characters that helped them reach a huge audience.
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About the author
Born in London in 1849, Bertha Upton was a British writer and illustrator who became known for children's books created with her daughter, Florence Kate Upton. Florence supplied the artwork, while Bertha wrote the stories, and together they produced the series of books featuring the Golliwogg and a set of Dutch dolls.
Their collaboration began in the 1890s and led to a long run of popular picture books, including The Adventures of Two Dutch Dolls and a 'Golliwogg'. The character became one of the best-known figures in children's publishing of the time, and the books were widely read in Britain and beyond.
Bertha Upton died in 1912. Today she is remembered mainly for that mother-and-daughter partnership with Florence Upton and for her place in the history of illustrated children's literature, even as modern readers also approach the Golliwogg books with an awareness of the racial stereotypes tied to the character.