Baker's exciting Stately Homes Collection has been assembled by Sir Humphry Wakefield. An English Baronet, Sir Humphry is a member of a distinguished family and owner of 800-year-old Chillingham Castle and its fascinating collections. A foremost authority on English antiques and architecture, Sir Humphry has acted as a consultant to Baker's Stately Homes program since founding the collection in 1980, personally securing a first-ever commercial access to noble homes throughout England, Ireland, Scotland, and even the royal palaces of the former Soviet Union.
With the well-trained eye of an antique furniture expert, Sir Humphry has selected and personally drawn and detailed the more than 200 treasured antiques which form the basis of the Stately Homes Collection. These items recreate the furniture designed and built by the world's finest craftsmen, all still actually used in the great homes of these noblemen.
Sir Humphry's career reflects intense study of antique furniture and historic restoration. Evaluator and specialist in antique furniture for the art auctioneer, Christies of London, he subsequently became director of Mallet & Son, Ltd., the world's largest and most prestigious antique firm.
Sir Humphry is widely published and has lectured extensively, including presentations in the United States at the Metropolitan Museum. He was elected fellow of Pierpoint Morgan Library and holds a Masters of Art degree from Cambridge University.
The present Stately Homes collection includes colorful, classic and dynamic introductions from the castles and palaces of England, Scotland, Ireland and the former Soviet Union, reflecting many a "first introduction" to the American furniture market.
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