What, might you ask, is a Golliwog?
Vintage Golliwog Dolls
Image courtesy/Explore The Collections-V & A
Image courtesy/Explore The Collections-V & A
Based on a character in a childrens' book, "Golliwog" was
a hugely popular rag doll in Great Britain during the early
years of the 20th century. Unfortunately, in today's world
of political correctness run amok, this once beloved toy
of little girls and boys is considered "racist" against
black people. I believe this was never intended to be.
a hugely popular rag doll in Great Britain during the early
years of the 20th century. Unfortunately, in today's world
of political correctness run amok, this once beloved toy
of little girls and boys is considered "racist" against
black people. I believe this was never intended to be.
(1873-1922)
American children's book author
and illustrator
and illustrator
When author Florence Upton's Aunt Kate discovered
two little wooden Dutch dolls and a homemade black rag doll
in the attic of her home, her niece took one look at the darling
two little wooden Dutch dolls and a homemade black rag doll
in the attic of her home, her niece took one look at the darling
rag doll and called him "Golliwog". For Florence, it was
love at first sight. It also lead her to write and illustrate
a series of books with children in mind, starring her
love at first sight. It also lead her to write and illustrate
a series of books with children in mind, starring her
precious little Golliwog as the main character and hero.
Her books sold well, however, for reasons unknown,
Florence Upton never acquired a patent for the character.
Florence Upton never acquired a patent for the character.
By Florence Kate Upton
Image courtesy/Theriault's Auctions
The oversight cost her, as another children's book writer,
Enid Blyton, took advantage of the situation and began
writing stories featuring Golliwog as an ill-mannered
and deceitful character.
Florence Upton truly despaired over the misrepresentation
of her beloved Golliwog.
"I am frightened when I read the fearsome etymology
some deep, dark minds can see in his name, " she said.
of her beloved Golliwog.
"I am frightened when I read the fearsome etymology
some deep, dark minds can see in his name, " she said.
Unfortunately, she would not live long enough to see
justice done in her case. Florence died at the age of 49
after suffering complications from surgery.
Over the years, her final resting place, located in historic Hampstead
Cemetery in London, England has been inexplicably targeted by vandals.
I have always felt a high degree of disgust for grave desecration.
Fortunately, thanks to a grant from Great Britain's Heritage Lottery Fund,
the headstone on Florence Upton's gravesite has been placed upright
again and is in the process of being restored.
As a lifelong collector of dolls, I would love to have one
of these adorable and unique Golliwog dolls to add to my
growing doll family some day.
of these adorable and unique Golliwog dolls to add to my
growing doll family some day.
Created by Vermont Doll artist R. John Wright
Image courtesy/R. John Right Dolls
