Alderman George Baker (1825 to 1910)
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Succeeded Joseph Chamberlain as Lord Mayor in 1876. Prominent member of Ruskin's Guild of St George.
Owned 381 acres of Wyre Forest. Donated 20 acres to the Guild in 1889. Converted into small holdings known as Atholgarth, St George's Farm, Ruskinland, Uncllys and St John's Cottage.
Commissioned the construction of Beaucastle Country House near Bewdley between 1875 and 1877. Inspired by the Arts and Craft movement.
Architect Richard Doubleday corresponded closely with Ruskin on design and construction of the house. The house features four stained-glass windows by Edward Burne-Jones, thought to have been made in William Morris's Factory although this cannot be verified.
Photographer: H J Whitlock, 11 New Street
Location: [BA&H: Portraits/Birmingham/BAH-BAY]
