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
How do I find works by Thomas Baker in a specific palette?
Thomas Baker's works can be browsed by color palette on the artist's By Palettes page.
Can I study Thomas Baker's use of color across all works?
The color profile of Thomas Baker's work is shown on the artist's Palette Genome page.
How do I find all works by Thomas Baker in a given medium?
Thomas Baker's works can be browsed by medium on the artist's All Medium page.
Where can I see all artworks by Thomas Baker?
Every work by Thomas Baker on this website can be browsed from the artist's All Artworks page.
