Robert P Walker
For Robert the first inkling of a serious interest in the decorative arts began with the study of history of art at school, some forty years ago. This was followed by a BA(Hons) and later by an MA, both in the History of Ceramics. Mixing a professional life in the field with further private research led to the publication of seven books on the subject of ceramics and decorative arts, alongside numerous articles and lectures.
In his professional life he started as a porter at Christie's in London which led eventually to a career as a specialist in Ceramics and Decorative Arts at Sotheby's and Bonhams, the latter as head of department. Following this he was a lecturer in Twentieth Century Design and the History of Ceramics, at Loughborough University, before moving to New York in 1998.
Once in New York he continued to lecture and write, before becoming involved in the field of mid-twentieth century decorative arts and furnishings, working for two leading New York dealers. He started his own business, Polka Dot Antiques LLC, in 2012, focusing exclusively on his first love, British Ceramics.