John Baker

History

John Baker (circa 1680-1720) worked in Oxford, UK. According to John Dilworth, he is presumed to be the son of William Baker. A fine viol by Mr. Baker of Oxford was part of Thomas Britton's collection of musical instruments. A four-stringed viola da gamba, made by John Baker in Oxford, anno 1688, was exhibited in 1872.

Craft

• Workmanship: According to Cecie Stainer, John Baker's work was in every way good, excellently finished.
• Varnish: Cecie Stainer describes his varnish as a light yellow colour. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff also notes his lacquer as being of a light yellow colour.
• Tone: Cecie Stainer states that the tone of his instruments was not large but very pure and clear in quality.
• Instruments: William Meredith Morris notes that he made viols chiefly, but towards the end of his life, he is supposed to have turned his attention to violins, though none have been seen. Only excellent viols and gambas are known from him, according to Willibald Leo Lütgendorff.

Legacy

• Exhibitions: A four-stringed viola da gamba, made by John Baker in Oxford, anno 1688, was among the exhibits at the South Kensington Special Exhibition in 1872.
• Collections: A fine viol of his make was in Tom Britton's collection. A viol labelled by him and dated 1688 was formerly in the Victoria & Albert Museum collection and is now housed in the Horniman Museum, London.
• Reputation: Willibald Leo Lütgendorff states that 17th-century English viol makers, including John Baker, were held in the highest esteem by all musicians and were often preferred over Italian makers at the time.

Further Information

• Working Period: He worked in Oxford from about 1688 to 1720, with John Dilworth suggesting a period of circa 1680-1720.
• Location: His workshop was located in Oxford, UK.
• Labels: Known labels include "MADE BY JOHN BAKER, IN OXFORD, ANNO 1688" and "Made by John Baker in Oxford Anno 1692."

Summary

John Baker was a highly esteemed English viol maker active in Oxford, UK, from approximately 1680 to 1720. Known for his excellently finished viols and gambas, which featured a light yellow varnish and produced a pure, clear tone, his instruments were highly regarded, even preferred over Italian makers by some 17th-century musicians. His work is represented in notable collections, including that of Thomas Britton and the Horniman Museum, and his 1688 viola da gamba was exhibited in 1872.