Florence Wysinger Allen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Flo Allen
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Florence Allen posing for a drawing class at California School of Fine Arts, May 4, 1948, by an unknown photographer
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| Born |
Florence Wysinger Allen
March 14, 1913 Oakland, California
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| Died | June 1, 1997 (aged 84) Oakland, California
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| Nationality | American |
| Known for | Artists' model |
Florence Wysinger Allen (born March 14, 1913 – died June 1, 1997) was an African American model for artists. She worked for over 30 years. Many people called her "San Francisco's best loved artists' model".
About Florence Allen's Life
Florence Wysinger Allen was born in Oakland, California, in 1913. Her father, Marion, was the son of a California pioneer. Her mother was a talented concert pianist.
Florence went to Fremont High School. She became very involved in the arts community in San Francisco. She also worked as a civil rights activist. Florence wrote columns for newspapers too.
She knew many famous people. These included singer Paul Robeson and actors Paul Newman and Harry Belafonte. Poet Allen Ginsberg was also part of her social circle. When she was not modeling, she worked as a hostess. She greeted guests at restaurants in North Beach.
In 1987, Florence was in an accident. A truck hit her near Fisherman's Wharf. She broke both her legs, which made it hard for her to move around. Florence Allen passed away on June 1, 1997, in El Sobrante, California.
Florence Allen: An Artists' Model
Florence Allen started modeling in 1933. She needed money, which led her to this work. She modeled for famous painters like Mark Rothko and Diego Rivera. She also posed for Gertrude Murphy and Wayne Thiebaud.
Florence modeled for many art school classes. These included classes at the San Francisco Art Institute. She also worked at the University of California-Berkeley. Other schools were Stanford University, the California College of Arts and Crafts, and Mills College.
Florence once said about her work: "There's an art to this business. It's very difficult work." She explained that modeling makes you use muscles you didn't know you had.
In 1945, Florence helped start the San Francisco Models' Guild. This group is now called the Bay Area Models' Guild. It was important for helping artists' models get better pay.
In 1965, the University of California-San Francisco held an art show. It was called "Florence Allen Herself." The exhibition celebrated her 30 years as a model. In 1987, she became a Model Coordinator. She also taught a workshop at the California College of the Arts.
Images for kids
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Florence Allen posing for a drawing class at California School of Fine Arts, May 4, 1948, by an unknown photographer
See also
In Spanish: Florence Wysinger Allen para niños
