Walker Ceramics Information

Walker Ceramics was established in 1955 by Geoffrey and Constance Walker. Geoffrey studied ceramics in the years before and after the Second World War at Stoke Technical College and later worked in the UK and USA before building the factory in Wantirna. Production began with glazed porcelain functional ware, then specialized floor tiles, electrical and acid-proof porcelains, architectural ceramics, refractories and salt glazed quarry tiles. Despite a fire which completely destroyed the factory in 1962, the company went on to produce stoneware and porcelain bodies, often to potter's own specifications. In the 1960's Walker Ceramics commenced manufacture of its first filter pressed white earthenware bodies for commercial potteries and art suppliers. During this time, the Walker Ceramics' factory at Wantirna became not only a place to source an increasing range of ceramic supplies and quality clay bodies and glazes, but a busy and lively meeting place for potters exchanging information. By the mid 1970's more than 25 bodies were being produced and the market had expanded interstate and to New Zealand. In the 1980's Walker Ceramics in association with Master Potter Greg Daly, produced the first series of instructional video tapes (now converted to DVD's), detailing many different ceramic techniques presented in Greg's workshops. In 1982 David Walker completed an Honours degree in Ceramic Technology from the North Staffordshire Polytechnic in Stoke-on-Trent (UK) and returned to Australia to rejoin the business. Today Walker Ceramics produce and sell in excess of 60 Ceramic bodies, 200 plus glazes, Liquid Opaque Underglazes, Design Colour Concentrates and all the tools and equipment the pottery market requires. As well as their own shop in Canberra, the distribution network extends to all major centres of Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Indonesia and the United Kingdom - where the pottery community are appreciating the specialist qualities of Australian made and developed ceramic bodies, glazes and colours. When ...