Geoffrey Walker began his working life by serving a traditional apprenticeship as an instrument mechanic. During his early career he gained a broad base of experience designing and maintaining fine control and measurement instruments in a variety of industrial contexts. Later he founded his own business after moving to Manchester, serving industry throughout the UK. His work also took him to Denmark and Libya.
Several years on, Geoffrey changed career taking a three year break to complete the British Horological Institute's Horology course. During this time he was awarded both national and branch level prizes for the high standard of his work. After taking the BHI's professional examinations at the end of the course he was awarded graduate membership.
Two years on, he was awarded the prestigious Scholarship prize by the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust, which enabled him to study at West Dean College in Sussex. There he obtained a Post Graduate Diploma in the restoration of Antique Clocks (awarded by the University of Sussex). He was awarded a prize by the British Antique Dealers Association (BADA), who sponsor the course.
Geoffrey now runs his own business in South Manchester restoring fine quality antique clocks and watches. Having studied at the West Dean College — an institution devoted to the preservation of the Nation's heritage of fine art — he believes that his work comes "...about as close as you can get to having your clock restored by the original maker." He recreates missing parts by hand using the very same materials, techniques and styles of workmanship employed by the original maker of the timepiece in question.
In his spare time Geoffrey is keen to pass on his skills and knowledge to the horological community. He can sometimes be seen giving practical demonstrations at BHI events or offering his services to community projects. He recently wrote his own guide The care of antique long case clocks as a practical reference for those taking a new interest in the ownership of a long case clock. The guide is available free of charge from his website.