Jonathan Ball Publishers and The Book Lounge invite you to an evening with John Stewart, author of Sir Herbert Baker: A Biography.

Architect Sir Herbert Baker left an indelible mark on South Africa and much of the British Empire in the first half of the 20th century. Sir Herbert Baker is the first full biography from childhood and was written with full cooperation from his family and with access to his archive and private papers.

After a Victorian architectural apprenticeship in London, Sir Herbert Baker went on to become the most prolific architect of his age in South Africa, where he designed numerous public buildings, churches, schools and private houses, including the Union Buildings, St George’s Cathedral and Groote Schuur. Thereafter, he worked in India, Kenya and England where, among many other projects, he designed South Africa House.

He was an intimate friend of many fascinating men of his age, including Cecil Rhodes, TE Lawrence, John Buchan and Jan Smuts. Lavishly illustrated, this biography offers a compelling picture of an architect whose buildings contribute greatly to South Africa’s rich history.

John Stewart will be in conversation with Brett McDougall at the event.

Event details

Date: Monday 17 March 2025
Time: 17h30 for 18h00
Venue: The Book Lounge, 71 Roeland Street, Cape Town
RSVP: booklounge@gmail.com or 021 462 2425
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Categories Non-fiction South Africa

Tags Biography Book events Book launches Cape Town John Stewart Jonathan Ball Publishers Sir Herbert Baker The Book Lounge