Self-taught artist, born in Hastings, Sussex. A colourful personality, he was prolific, producing works which were often large, with popular appeal and a fizzy vitality. Euro-Disney, Paris, was one of his commission venues. Mixed shows included Holborn Artists, Holborn Town Hall, 1957; Lucy Wertheim Gallery, Hove, from 1966; Erotic Art, Kaleidoscope Gallery, 1977; Painting the Town, British Council and foreign tour, 1980; Mystery Trip 90, Warsaw, Poland, 1991. Had a solo show at Hammersmith Gallery, 1958, followed by several dozen more, including latterly Harbour Art Centre, Irvine, 1992. In the 25 years 1966–91 Upton painted around 50 murals, including many works in Brighton, Dudley, Leicester, Irvine, Glasgow, Paisley and Burnley. He held a large number of residencies and produced works for festivals, including Brighton Festival and Glasgow Garden Festival.