Walter J. Filling was born in 1917, where his life as a penman began with an interest in handwriting in his early years at a one-room schoolhouse in Cameron County, PA. He developed a love of engrossing and engraving over the years and started his first business at the age of 12.

After years of study, apprenticeship and teaching, in 1952 he saw the opportunity to go into business for himself in Washington, D.C., and for the next 27 years he designed and handmade pieces of work for many private organizations as well as government agencies, including the White House. Eventually he produced documents for the signatures of seven consecutive Presidents, from Harry Truman through Jimmy Carter, as well as innumerable certificates and citations, including those commending Apollo astronauts on their flights to the moon and the commissions of all sitting members of the U.S. Supreme Court as of 1976. Citations recognizing the work of international diplomats and dignitaries such as Henry Kissinger and Ellsworth Bunker, the Navy League’s Meritorious Citation to Vice Admiral (and later Presidential candidate) John McCain, as well as elaborate designs for corporate executives, were all a part of his work. Copies of many of these elaborate pieces are available upon request. by viewing the Available Works of Walter J. Filling and contacting linda@americanilluminations. She will let you know the condition of the piece you are interested in and its cost. All pieces are duplicated on the highest quality art paper.

Mr. Filling's careful attention to detail has been carried on by his son Dennis. A few samples of Dennis' 75 pieces of his unique Outsider Art are available at art-of-dennis-w-filling.

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Due to his love of the work, Mr. Filling studied and practiced intensively in his early years, taking courses from the Zanerian College under E.A. Lupfer and benefiting enormously from Lupfer’s guidance. He always kept his father’s philosophy in mind: “Be sure your work is done right even if it takes longer and you don’t get paid extra for it.”

In 1946 he moved to New York City and studied with master engrosser and engraver Arnold P. Hamersbach who, after a couple of years, persuaded him to move on to take a job teaching engraving at The Jeweler’s School in New Castle, PA. This position led to another at the Washington Technical School in Washington, D.C. He was active in IAMPETH, the International Association of Master Penmen and Teachers of Handwriting, for many years and also served as its President.

Mr. Filling’s work was exacting and called for long hours hunched over a drawing table. The physical demands of the work took their toll, and recurrent back problems were a major reason for his retirement in July of 1977. He looked back on his career with satisfaction and also with deep gratitude to the many people, beginning with his parents, who encouraged and guided him and provided opportunities. From his retirement until his death twenty years later, Mr. Filling was able to return to his boyhood farm in Emporium, PA, where he still enjoyed many friends from childhood.