Baker Collection of Books

The collection consists of c180 volumes. They include first editions and items chosen for the binding. The collection includes such gems as Ackerman's publication: "The Repository of the Arts, Literature, Commerce, Manufactures, Fashions and Politics", 20 volumes of the style-bible of the day, which includes fabric swatches, along with fashion and interior design plates (1809-1828). It also includes William Miller's series of books on Costumes.

Samuel Baker created this collection of 18th and 19th century books. The Collection is rich in first editions of British works, mainly novels and poetry, but its real strength lies in its reflection of developments in dress and decorative arts.

Items in the collection may be consulted for the purpose of private study and personal research, within the controlled environment and restrictions of the Library's Special Collections Reading Rooms

The collection was donated to the University in 1993 by Samuel Baker's widow, the late Mrs Mary Baker.

A catalogue of the collection is available. Items may also be found via the library catalogue and the Special Collections web site.

Description prepared by Ellen Scaife, 2005

COPIES FOR PRIVATE STUDY: Subject to copyright, conditions imposed by owners and protecting the documents, the Library can supply, at a charge, photocopies, photographs or digital copies.

PUBLICATION: A reader wishing to publish material in the collection should contact the Head of Special Collections, in writing. The reader is responsible for obtaining permission to publish from the copyright owner.

The collection was donated to the University in 1993 by Samuel Baker's widow, the late Mrs Mary Baker.