Clive Uptton (12 March 1911 – 11 February 2006) was a widely regarded British illustrator and painter of landscapes and portraits.

He was born in Highbury, London, the son of Clive Upton, who worked for Swain's, the engravers, as a touch-up artist and later for the Daily Mail newspaper.[1]

Clive Uptton was educated at Brentwood Grammar School and Southend Art School before moving to London to attend Central Art School and, later, Heatherley's School of Art.[1] He began contributing professionally at the age of 19 before graduating from Central Art School. When he noticed another artist named Upton was working for the Evening Standard, he added a second "t" to his surname so that their work was not confused.[2] From his studio in Cheapside, Uptton contributed illustrations to most of the major magazines of the day, including the Strand Magazine, Tit-Bits, Good Housekeeping, John Bull and The Sphere.[1]

Between 1940 and 1942 Uptton was the political cartoonist of the Daily Sketch and Sunday Graphic.[1] During the war, he also worked for the Ministry of Information producing cartoons and posters.[1] After the war, he had a varied career as an illustrator and painter. He was a member of the Chelsea Arts Club, the Savage, and the London Sketch Club.

Clive Uptton lived in Holland Park where he died shortly before his 95th birthday.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f Bryant, Mark (2011). The world's greatest war cartoonists and caricaturists, 1792-1945. Grub Street. p. 172.
  2. ^ Bryant, Mark (2001). Dictionary of twentieth century British cartoonists and caricaturists. p. 229-230. ISBN 1840142863.

Clive Uptton (obituary), The Independent, 18 February 2006

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