Walter West

Joseph Walter West (born Sculcoates, Yorkshire 3 May 1860; died Northwood, London, 27 June 1933), also known as J. Walter West or Walter West, was an artist, lithographer and designer of bookplates.

West was the son of Alfred West, a seed crusher and corn dealer, and his wife Sarah Ann West, née Petchell. The family were Quakers. West's first employment was as a cashier with the engineering firm of Priestman Brothers of Hull and, whilst working there, he studied art at Bootham School in York. Having saved a modest amount from his wages, in 1883 he travelled to London to study at St John's Wood Art School, then at the Royal Academy Schools and in Paris at the Académie Julian.