Living with Art: The Alexander Walker collection

The British Museum received a bequest of 211 modern and contemporary prints and drawings from Alexander Walker in 2004, transforming and expanding its collection of modern and contemporary Western graphic art. Walker was a film critic and writer who began collecting in the early 1960s, gaining confidence and disposable income due to the success of his books. He developed a network of art dealers, gallerists, and publishers who introduced him to many artists and recommended books, exhibitions, and museums. The bequest includes Walkers complete archive of correspondence and paperwork, allowing his own voice to be fully present in the book.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 16 January 2020
Publisher: British Museum Press

A captivating collection, intricately woven around the concept of a film critic delving into the realm of moving images during the day and then shifting his focus to still images at night – Irish Art Review

In 2004, the British Museum received a remarkable bequest of 211 modern and contemporary prints and drawings from the renowned film critic Alexander Walker (1930–2003). Undoubtedly, one of the most significant bequests in recent years, the acquisition of these works has undergone a transformative process, significantly expanding the Museums collection of modern and contemporary Western graphic art.

Walker, born in Portadown, Northern Ireland, spent the majority of his career in London, penning weekly film reviews for the Evening Standard for over 40 years. In addition to his journalistic endeavors, he authored several highly successful books on cinema, including the groundbreaking 1969 publication Sex in the Movies, a trilogy of works that delved into the British film industry, and numerous biographies of directors and actors, including Stanley Kubrick, Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, and Peter Sellers.

Walker's collecting journey commenced in a tentative manner in the early 1960s, but it gained momentum as his confidence grew, and his disposable income increased due to the success of his literary works. In a letter penned to a fellow collector in 1996, Walker expressed his gratitude for the continued success of Audrey, stating that it had enabled him to acquire cherished items that he had previously deemed unattainable, such as a beautiful Matisse etching, a rare print by Morandi, and a magnificent woodcut by Vija Celmins. He embraced his collection wholeheartedly, utilizing every inch of space in his modest London apartment, including the walls of his bathroom and kitchen.

Walker established a robust network of art dealers, gallerists, and publishers, whom he regarded as advisors, mentors, and dear friends. These trusted figures introduced him to the diverse artistry of numerous artists represented in his collection.

The bequest of Alexander Walker has left an indelible mark on the British Museum, enriching its collection with a treasure trove of modern and contemporary graphic art. His unwavering passion for cinema and his dedication to collecting have not only enriched his own life but also contributed to the broader appreciation and understanding of the visual arts. The Museums commitment to preserving and showcasing this remarkable collection ensures that future generations will be able to appreciate the beauty and creativity of the works acquired through this extraordinary bequest.

Weight: 722g
Dimension: 245 x 215 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780714126968