Budleigh's archiving artist







A familiar figure in Budleigh Salterton since he moved here in 1988, Ken Walker is well-known for his much admired watercolour paintings of the town’s buildings.  


Brought up in Boxmoor, Herts, he worked in graphic design for Ashridge Management College before going on to run a photographic business.  It was a valuable experience.  “Photography has helped me so much in looking at things and with getting the best perspective," says Ken.



















He'd been visiting Budleigh for many years with his wife Audrey on holiday. With his retirement and  their move to the town in 1988 things really took off.  His first picture was of the house in Victoria Place where the couple still live.  Then came his grand scheme of painting all the shops in the town centre when he realised how Budleigh was changing so rapidly.




















Local traders were quick to commission pieces by him as a record of their businesses, and his work is now recognised as an important archive of Budleigh's architectural heritage. Working first on paper in pencil he then goes on to produce a version in watercolour.  He also paints private houses.


Asked which building he's most enjoyed painting, Ken is clear about the answer. "I've no favourites," he insists. "Some are nightmares to draw because of the detail. Buildings decked out in bunting are a real challenge.  But whatever I paint I always enjoy it." 


Fairlynch Museum will be selling a selection of his prints during the year. To enquire about commissions, please telephone 01395 445106.


This post links to one at http://www.devonmuseums.net/Budleigh%27s-archiving-artist/Latest-News/Fairlynch-Museum/Museum-News/








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