The Western Mail (Wales)/22 September 1919/Welsh Artist - Death of Mr George Howell Baker

by Anonymous

Welsh Artist.

 

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Death of Mr. George Howell Baker.

The death of Mr George Howell Baker, A.R.W.A. at the age of 48, which occurred at his residence, Ingleside, Bridgend, on Friday night, has removed from the world of art a man of considerable ability and attainments. Circumstances had been against him during the greater part of his career, but he was inspired by a wonderful optimism, and worked on until two years ago his hard toil resulted in a serous nervous breakdown which culminated in a fatal seizure.

Mr Baker was well known in Paris and London, was permanently represented in the art galleries of Cardiff, Bristol, Swansea, and Aberystwyth, and exhibited at the Salon, Paris, and the "Section de Gravures du Salon Artistes Francais." and a number of the best-known London galleries. In press notices he was included with artists in the front rank. He was a lecturer in art for Swansea, Bridgend, Port Talbot, Llantrissant, and the Ogmore and Garw Valley, and five or six years ago was made a member of the art council in connection with the Glamorgan Education Committee.

The symbolic and imaginative nature of his work was considered unique by Sir Ernest Waterlow, and the Earl of Plymouth in several pages of commendatory criticism on his pen and ink work accepted the dedication of two pen and ink sketches, one being "The Forest Hymn," a series of beautiful illustrations of a well-known composition. The Earl of Plymouth so admired his work that he promised to further the publication of his efforts in the right channels. It was in symbolic painting and pen and ink sketches that Mr. Baker excelled.

Amongst the oil paintings that have received favourable criticism are "Joan of Arc." in St Anne's, Rouen; "The Angel of Pity," in Venetian style, which was exhibited in the salon, Paris; "Dusk," "A Window in the Woodlands," "The Serpent in the Wilderness" (which was much admired), and "The Model," a painting which was warmly commented upon by Sir Ernest Waterlow, and "In Memoriam." "Llanilid Church," a choice painting in oils was accepted by the Royal Academy.

Mr Baker was a man of versatile talent, and did carving, etching, and silverpoint. His design for applied art was exhibited not only in Europe, but in America and Australia. While at Owen's College (now Victoria University), Manchester, he received honorary mention for biology and zoology. He was a great reader, and wrote much poetry.

A son of the late Mr. Geo. Baker of London and Manchester, and of Mrs. Baker, Bridgend, he was born at Prestwich Park and was unmarried.