The Life of Thomas Baker
Thomas Baker was a Midlands landscape painter and watercolourist, frequently referred to as "Baker of Leamington" or "Landscape Baker." Born in Harborne, Birmingham, he studied under Vincent Barber at the Charles Street Academy. His artistic practice involved painting landscapes across Warwickshire, the Midlands, and the Welsh border regions, with occasional depictions of the Lake District, Scotland, and Ireland. His works often feature cattle, though sheep and human figures are also common subjects.
Baker exhibited with the Birmingham Society of Artists from 1827 onwards. He also showed four oil paintings at the Royal Academy between 1831 and 1858, and nineteen paintings at the British Institution. To supplement his earnings from patrons such as Lord Leigh, he provided artistic tutoring to the local middle classes.
Artistic Records and Legacy
Baker maintained comprehensive records of his output, typically signing major works "T Baker" with a date and a number on the reverse. Smaller studies and pencil sketches are often signed "T.B.", sometimes hidden within the composition near tree roots, fenceposts, or gravestones. His diaries and notes, which include an 800-strong list of his major works, are held in the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.
The art gallery at the Royal Pump Rooms in Leamington Spa holds a collection of over sixty Baker landscapes. Following his death in Leamington Spa at age 55, he was buried in Harborne, Birmingham, near the artist David Cox.
Questions & Answers
In which historical period did Thomas Baker work?
Thomas Baker worked in the 19th-Century period. The period situates the artist's activity in history.
How can I follow Thomas Baker's work year by year?
Thomas Baker's artworks can be seen in chronological order on the artist's Artwork Timeline page.
Where can I see Thomas Baker's artworks arranged by atmosphere?
Thomas Baker's works can be browsed by mood on the artist's Mood Room page, which arranges the artworks by their recorded moods.
What are the birth city and country of Thomas Baker?
Thomas Baker was born in Harborne, in United Kingdom.
