Dr Walker gave a lifetime of service to the City of Peterborough. He was the surgeon at Peterborough Infirmary for 42 years and also a longstanding member of the Museum Society. Dr Walker donated a number of finds from his archaeological researches at Westwood. This portrait was presented to the Museum by friends and neighbours of Dr Walker on his 80th birthday. In the same year he became Freeman of the City.

George Fiddes Watt was a Scottish portrait painter who studied at the Royal Scottish Academy School. During his career he completed portraits of notable men such as Lord Asquith, Prime Minister of Great Britain from 1907 until 1916.