A newly released biography about Sir Herbert Baker, who left an indelible mark on the South African landscape, presents him as one of the British Empire's most significant architects.

South Africa is filled with private homes and public buildings designed by Baker, most notably the Union Buildings in Pretoria and St George's Cathedral in Cape Town. The book offers insight into the many iconic structures he created from 1891 until his return to England for health reasons in 1913. 

The author, John Stewart, joined Mandy Wiener for a discussion about the book. Stewart, himself an architect, notes that Baker, while highly regarded in South Africa, built extensively across the British Empire, particularly in New Delhi. He later established a successful practice in London, designing numerous buildings in the 1920s and 1930s. "Despite this, in the UK, he is nearly a forgotten name," states Stewart.

Stewart contends that the architect warrants a comprehensive biography. His name and work are widely recognised in South Africa. "It is truly refreshing to see, as that is sadly not the case in the UK," observes Stewart, "although with the book and the establishment of the Sir Herbert Baker Society there, that is beginning to change."

Thank you for listening to Mandy Wiener's Book Reviews podcast from The Midday Report. 

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