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Herbert Baker




Sir Herbert Baker ( 1862 - 1946 ) was the dominant force in South Africa n Architecture for two decades, 1892 - 1912 . He designed the Union Buildings in Pretoria , South Africa; and with Edwin Lutyens was instrumental in designing New Delhi .


EARLY LIFE

Born in Cobham , Kent , Baker studied architecture in London . He came to South Africa in 1892 and was commissioned in 1893 by Cecil Rhodes to remodel Groote Schuur , Rhodes' house on the slopes of Table Mountain in Cape Town .


SOUTH AFRICA

Baker quickly became noted for his work, and was commissioned by a number of the " Randlords " (the wealthy mining magnates of Johannesburg ) to design houses, particularly in the prestigious suburbs of Parktown and Parktown North . A number of these are still standing. He also designed commercial premises and public buildings.


Union Buildings

In 1909 Baker was commissioned to build the Union Buildings, South Africa's seat of government.


INDIA

In 1912 Baker went to India to work with Lutyens on the Secretariat buildings in New Delhi and the bungalows of Members of Parliament .


LATER LIFE

Baker was knighted in 1926 and awarded the Gold Medal of the Royal Institute Of British Architects in 1927 . He died in Kent in 1946 .


OTHER WORK


United Kingdom



South Africa



Elsewhere



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