Artist and teacher, born in Weaste, Lancashire, who was educated at Manchester’s Central High School, then by scholarship attended day classes at the School of Art, All Saints, about 1903–4, under Richard Glazier and Henry Cadness. Also was a pupil teacher at Oldham School of Art. With a scholarship Willock trained as a teacher at the Manchester School from 1916, winning a silver medal for design. He also won a three-year scholarship to the Royal College of Art, but the need to support his family prevented his accepting it. Served in France in World War I, afterwards taking up a teaching career, eventually becoming head of the design school at Manchester School/Regional College of Art (he was offered the headship of Salford School of Art).