He was born to tenant farmers, but on leaving school he eschewed agriculture for history and archaeology. He had discovered three Roman mosaic floors in south Somerset before his 18th birthday.
Walrond collected local and historical artefacts, setting up his own museum in a converted Second World War army Nissen hut. He moved to Stroud in 1955 to take up the post as curator at the Lansdown Museum, which he held for 37 years.
'Held stomach and large intestines'
Included in the Books and Collectables auction in Cheltenham among the generally affordable antiquities was a 10in (25cm) Egyptian painted terracotta canopic jar with lid, representing one of the sons of Horus from the 1st millennium BC.
The label, seemingly in Walrond’s hand, reads Mummy Jar and Cover, dedicated to Maesthi (Man Headed God) son of Horus, held stomach and large intestines. Hieroglyphics erased either for reuse or by enemy that occupier may not go to heaven 9-3-48.
Proving the most desirable of the 17 Walrond lots in the sale on February 9, it was estimated at £300-500 but sold for £2400 to a bidder on thesaleroom.com.
