Alan Cameron Walker


Hobart General Post Office and tower, 1906 (AOT, PH30/1/4023)

Alan Cameron Walker (1865–1931), architect and craftsman. Walker carried on the tradition of the gentleman architect, active in the arts and community affairs. Born in Hobart, he served his articles with Henry Hunter and from 1886 completed his studies in Europe, gaining membership of the Royal Institute of British Architects. From 1888 he practised in Melbourne, returning in 1895 to Hobart, where he conducted a very successful practice until his death. Walker's best-known Hobart buildings are the General Post Office and tower (1901–05) and the old State Library, now Carnegie Building (1903). Among other skills he was a silversmith and enameller, and was active in Arts and Crafts. He promoted technical education and town planning, and in the Depression worked to assist the unemployed with a large antiques exhibition and the establishment of a garden on Mount Wellington.

Further reading: Mercury, 14 December 1931.

Barry McNeill and Eric Ratcliff