Thomas Baker

Builder and stonemason, of Dublin, active in the late-eighteenth and early-nineteenth centuries. Thomas Baker was employed by the second earl of Aldborough circa 1796 at Aldborough House, Dublin, where he estimated for building the 'G[reat] stairs', completed a portion of the external cornice and set eighty-five balusters.(1) He collaborated with ROBERT MCCARTNEY on the plinth for the railings, kerbstone and pavement at Mountjoy Square in 1801,(2) and more importantly on the erection of Nelson's Pillar in 1808.(3) Baker and Macartney were also responsible for the stonework of the Corn Exchange on Burgh Quay, erected in 1816-17,(4) and for stonecutter's work on the Pro-Cathedral, Marlborough Street, in 1821.(5) In 1815, Darley (perhaps ARTHUR DARLEY [3] ) and Baker had received £2,100 for work on the 'Portico in the Park'.(6) Baker is also said to have been engaged on the building of the Custom House, Post Office, and Carlisle Bridge, Dublin,(7) and of Aldborough House.(8) He was paid in connection with building in Westmoreland Street, Dublin, for the Wide Streets Commissioners in 1801.(9) He appears to have been the father of THOMAS BAKER [2] and had a daughter, Mary, who married GILBERT COCKBURN [1].

Dictionary of Irish Architects