The Worshipful Company of Plumbers meets with the Herbert Baker Heritage Trust. 17th September 2026.
The Herbert Baker Heritage Trust, which was created to promote excellence in heritage building craftsmanship, has been newly formed by Sir Herbert’s descendants and has close links to our company. Renter Warden Michael Cooper brings us this report from his recent visit to meet the organisation together with Past Master Peter Rumley.
The Worshipful Company of Plumbers recently met the Baker family and Directors of the newly formed Herbert Baker Heritage Trust. The trust celebrates the artistic and architectural legacy of the internationally renowned architect Sir Herbert Baker and supports heritage craft skills in the built environment.
Rooted in Baker’s belief in artistic thinking and craftsmanship, the Trust is dedicated to protecting and promoting excellence in traditional building techniques and heritage craft skills. Through education, advocacy and hands-on training, it supports future generations towards becoming artists, makers and heritage professionals. The Trust aims to champion creativity, collaboration and the enduring value of skilled craftsmanship.
Pictured, North Kent students of heritage craft.
The Herbert Baker Heritage Trust was founded by Camilla Baker, great granddaughter of Herbert Baker, and granddaughter of the WCP Past Master, Henry Baker. Henry was a WCP Court Assistant from 1964 and Master in 1971/72. His was the idea to form a Museum of Plumbing and he chaired the Company’s Museum sub-committee which led to the opening of the Plumbing Museum and Workshop in the Court Barn at Singleton in 1980.
Pictured: Past Master Henry Baker at the opening of the Plumbing Workshop in October 1980, with the Duchess of Norfolk and the Master (Peter Martin CBE).
Henry was a proud recipient of the St Michael’s Medallion in 1982, which is on loan to the National Trust along with a portrait by Muriel Wheeler of Henry Baker wearing his Master’s robes. Both items can be seen by visitors to Owletts.
Pictured here is a 2007 visit to Owletts by the WCP History Group.
(Owletts | Kent | National Trust – https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/kent/owletts)
This summer’s meeting was the first step towards the WCP and HBHT’s collaboration to support heritage craft skills in the built environment. Camilla is very interested in continuing her grandfather’s, and great grandfather’s, contribution to craft skills of all kinds, and we hope the WCP and HBHT can work together to introduce the next generation of makers to the skills and breadth of heritage careers involving heritage lead work and plumbing.