Architect, England and South Africa Herbert Baker’s prolific practice produced a wide variety of work in England and abroad. His work ranged from country houses to ecclesiastical work and public buildings and most notably includes the government Houses in both South Africa and India. Indeed, Baker is credited with the creation of a South African architecture by giving expression to the dreams of his great patron, Cecil Rhodes, who wished to create a distinguished and permanent culture. As a contemporary of Edwin Lutyens, Baker’s particular distinction lay in his ability to range from Arts and Crafts in his domestic work, to a dignified monumental style, sensitively modified to accommodate technology, and different national and climatic conditions. Baker was born in Kent, and attended the Royal Academy School, London, from 1879 until 1881, when he was apprenticed to his cousin, Arthur Baker. Between 1882 and 1887, he served as lead assistant in the office of celebrated domestic architec...