Stephen Walker and Susan Thomson, July 11, 1981, Andover, NY
Stephen was born to second and third generation Scottish Americans. His mother's father, William Watt, and his father's grandfather, John Walker, both came from Aberdeenshire—a part of Scotland rich in Celtic and Pictish art. They settled in New York State and Vermont respectively, near the turn of the century. Other parts of the family were Irish and Yankee. Susan's grandmother Delany was from County Tipperary in Ireland before emigrating in her teens to Auburn, NY. Her father's side of the family came to the US from Scotland by way of Nova Scotia.
The Book That Started It All
Stephen's mother Barbara was pipe major in one of the first female pipe bands in the world, the Glengarry Girls, in the early 1950s in Syracuse. Grandpa Watt was active in the Order of Scottish Clans Lodge. Stephen had been around Scottish regalia of the typical Victorian pipeband motifs all his eleven years, but the moment that changed everything came in 1968, when Grandma Walker visited Ireland and brought eleven-year-old Stephen a small book about the Book of Kells and the Lindisfarne Gospels.
The fantastic interlaces and spirals fascinated him and he immediately tried to draw designs in that style.
Within a year the family moved to Andover, NY, where the school's art teacher turned out to be an accomplished practitioner of Celtic style calligraphy and sculpture. William "Scotty" MacCrea was also a piper. Stephen joined a circle of his friends and students that shared his enthusiasm for Celtic culture. A pipe band flourished; he still plays.
From Bagpipes to Celtic Jewelry
At age 14 Stephen found his life revolving around the Allegany Highlanders Bagpipe Band. He went from crafting pipe band regalia to jewelry and art metal during his teens with the guidance of Scotty MacCrea.
Stephen graduated from Syracuse University, where he met Susan, in 1980 with an art degree in Metalsmithing, followed by a Master of Fine Arts from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1982. His master work focused on mokume-gane and married metals—techniques that continue to inspire our multiple metal frame pieces today. During this time Susan received her BA in Marketing and a Master's degree in Education.
A Celtic Wedding
Stephen and Susan were married on July 11, 1981 in an ecumenical service in Andover, New York. Rev. John Baxter, Pastor of the Presbyterian Church, and Fr. David Walker, uncle of the groom, officiated. Joan Thomson, sister of the bride, and Michael Bliss, friend of the groom, were witnesses.
Stephen and Susan share both Scottish and Irish family background and their wedding celebrated a continuation of that heritage. Music at the service was on the Highland bagpipes by John Lang and William MacCrea. The Celtic wedding bands and brooch were made by the groom, who at the time was working towards his MFA in jewelry design and metalsmithing. After the exchange of rings, the tartan sash was pinned on the bride.
Building a Family Business
In 1983 Stephen and Sue returned to his hometown to raise their family in the quiet community in the Allegany foothills of Andover, NY. Over the years Stephen slowly grew his business from 3 designs sold by catalog to the bustling workshop and retail location that exists today.
Meanwhile Susan was teaching math at Alfred State College—he claims her specialty is multiplying—and growing their family to include Andrew, Jeanne, Margaret, Donald, William, and Stephen J. In the mid 90's Susan joined the family business, using her background in business and marketing to run operations so Stephen could focus on his artistry. Today Walker Metalsmiths is a community-minded business that runs both a craftsman workshop, retail gallery, and thriving online business.
The Walker family, July 4, 2009. From left: Susan, Barbara, Willie, Donald, Andrew, Jeannie (holding Charlie), and Stephen on the bagpipes. Seated: Maggie with Millie. In the tree: young Stephen.
Stephen in the Community
Stephen enjoys training apprentices and passing on his skills to the next generation. He's an avid member of the local Ski Patrol trained in mountain rescue, a long-time member of the Andover Lion's Club, and still plays bagpipes in the 4th of July parade.
Susan in the Community
Susan was a member of the Andover School Board for 25 years before retiring. She enjoys reading, crochet, and tending her lilac and blueberry bushes. Their main joy is family—now including 11 grandchildren they can often be found visiting.
Published Author
Stephen is co-author of The Modern History of Celtic Jewellery: 1840-1980, the definitive scholarly work on the Celtic Revival. He also serves on the advisory panel for the George Bain Collection at Groam House Museum in Scotland.
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About the Author
Stephen Walker has been handcrafting Celtic jewelry in Andover, NY since 1984. A graduate of Syracuse University and Southern Illinois University (MFA, Metalsmithing, 1982), his work spans Celtic knotwork, mokume-gane, and married metal hollowware. He is co-author of The Modern History of Celtic Jewellery and serves on the advisory panel for the George Bain Collection at Groam House Museum in Scotland.
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