Walter Awlson

Walter was born in Galashiels in 1949 and studied at Edinburgh College of Art from 1967 to 1971, graduating with a degree in Furniture and Sculpture.

Walter then attended Moray House College of Education from 1971 to 1972 where he gained a Certificate in Secondary Education. This course led to a teaching career in secondary schools and further education establishments before Walter established a workshop in Alloa in 1991, where he works full-time as a sculptor and painter.

In 1990, Walter was the winner of the SPA Alastair Dunn Award and was elected a Professional Member of the Scottish Artists and Artist Craftsmen Association in 1991. Walter has completed several major commissions including a ceramic mural for the Alloa Town Centre and a centrepiece for a historical exhibition at Abbott's House, Dunfermline. His paintings are in The Earl of Moray's collection. He also exhibits his distinctive work within art galleries in Scotland, England, and America. In 2002, he was invited to teach sculpture, mould making, and slip-casting in West Virginia.

Walter draws his inspiration from the human figure to produce paintings and sculptures which are accurate in their representation. Realistic in style, Walter's sculptures very often express a quiet repose of stillness. In the ceramic slip-casting process, sculptures are made in limited editions, (signed and numbered). Walter has overcome the technical problems of slip-casting a complex form such as the human figure, which can then withstand the thermal shock of 'Raku' firing. He is therefore able to produce sculptures at reasonable costs which have all the richness and individuality obtained by this method of firing. An alternative stoneware glaze is also used. When a ceramic edition is sold-out, Walter will produce a limited edition of 12 bronzes.