Arthur Bingham Walkley

Arthur Bingham Walkley, commonly known as A B Walkley, was an influential English drama critic and public servant whose career spanned several decades. Born in 1855, he dedicated much of his early life to civil service, working for the General Post Office from 1877 until 1919. Despite his commitment to public service, Walkley found time to cultivate a parallel career in journalism, where he made his mark as a theatre critic. His collaboration with playwright George Bernard Shaw at The Star marked the beginning of his newspaper career, but it was his long tenure as the theatre critic for The Times that solidified his reputation in the literary world. For twenty-six years, Walkley provided insightful critiques that shaped public perception of contemporary theatre and its practitioners. Walkley's critical voice was notable for its depth and clarity, often championing innovative works while also providing a platform for emerging playwrights. His reviews not only reflected the tastes of his time but also influenced the direction of theatrical production in England. After retiring from the Post Office in 1919, Walkley devoted himself entirely to writing, further contributing to the discourse on drama until his death in 1926. His legacy endures through his extensive body of work, which remains a significant reference for understanding the evolution of theatre criticism in the early 20th century.