Walker, George

Introduction:

Liverpool-based GEORGE WALKER (born ca. 1806) crafted competent cut-work and profiles painted on card probably from the latter half of the 1830s to the mid 1840s. Extant works are extremely rare, and another occupation likely provided his main source of income. However, though recorded a 'jeweller' on his son's marriage certificate, further confirmation has proved elusive.

As far as known only 3 profiles are recorded. All evidence the stencil stamp ' George Walker, Artist. 48 Lord Street, Liverpool '. Two works, cut from black paper, are well but sparingly highlighted in bronze. Both are illustrated in Mckechnie, both are named sitters.

The first, housed in rosewood, bust-sized and dated 1841, is of Welsh master mariner William Woolley Lloyd. Born in Cardigan and marrying there the year he sat for Walker, the work's backing board bears the trade-label of a Cardigan picture frame maker. Cut ca.1842 and without bust-line termination, the second profile, of Harriet Grayson (1821-1895) who wed a master mariner in 1845, was set in a papier-mâché frame likely supplied by Walker. Showing a degree of versatility previously unrecorded, the third work, a coloured profile miniature of a young man was sold at DENHAM'S Auctions 25th February 2026. Housed in a papier-mâché frame, painted on card with the sitter's features delineated, and judging by the sitter's attire executed in the late 1830s, both colouring and draughtsmanship are confidently applied.

As neither newspaper advertisements nor handbills have surfaced, Walker's terms and range of options remain unknown. In 1843, and listed a 'miniature painter', both GORE'S and SLATER'S directories record Walker relocating his studio from 48 to 84 Lord St. Given that Liverpool was Britain's 2nd busiest sea-port, was undergoing a rapid population increase and that Lord St. was one of its principal commercial hubs, it's odd that so few Walker profiles have come to light.

Regarding his personal circumstances, recent research has proved fragmentary. Though the 1841 Census relates him born ca.1806 outside of county Lancashire, his initial definitive record was his marriage in Liverpool 22nd August 1833 to Mary Hooley née Highton (born 1802). The widow of a coachman, her father was Liverpool shipwright James Highton (1767-1852). Mary bore 2 children: Sarah Ann, baptised August 1834 and George Highton. baptised March 1840. The register records the Walker's abodes as Edmund St. and Mill St. Toxteth Park respectively and Walker's occupation as 'Artist'.

Again listed an artist, the 1841 Census locates the family, augmented by a female servant, at the Mill St. address. In 1843 he appears as a 'miniature painter' in the above-mentioned Trade directories, after which no records for Walker, wife or daughter are forthcoming. Then in December 1864, aged 25, Walker's son, draper George Highton (1839-1871) reappears, marrying the daughter of a master mariner in Everton. He lists his father a 'jeweller'. No evidence of the occupation has surfaced, nor have records proving the profilist alive or dead at the time of his son's marriage.

REVISED: 12 April 2026 (Brian Wellings)