Painter, printmaker, teacher and writer, born in Essex. He studied at West Surrey College of Art & Design, Farnham, 1974–5, then Gloucester College of Art & Design, 1975–8, under David Carpanini, and at University of Exeter School of Education. He was artist-in-residence at Oundle School, 1981–3, then a full-time art teacher at Kimbolton School, Cambridgeshire, 1983–6. Also taught at West Dean College in Sussex, where he settled at Arundel. From 1987 Baker wrote for The Artist magazine, carried out commissioned work and with two other painters ran Herringbroom Studios. Royal Mint commissioned his services. Baker was elected to RBA in 1984, also showing with RWA, Medici Galleries and Portsmouth and Brighton public galleries. Among his solo shows was Pallant House, Chichester, 1993, views of the Portsmouth area.