In Memoriam: Mark Baker, 1966-2020

The woodturning community has lost a truly significant ambassador, with the passing of Mark Baker on October 2, 2020.

Many woodturners know of Mark as the long-time editor of Woodturning magazine, published by England’s GMC Publications. Mark started his career as a carpenter and then gained experience in metal fabrication. He went on to become a product manager for toolmaker Robert Sorby before working for GMC, where he was Group Editor, responsible for all of GMC’s woodworking magazine titles, including Woodturning.

Mark was also a favorite among woodturning demonstrators, having shared his talents frequently around the world at turning clubs and symposia. He also authored numerous articles and books on woodturning, including Woodturning Projects: A Workshop Guide to Shapes, Weekend Woodturning Projects: 25 Simple Projects for the Home, 30-Minute Woodturning: 25 Quick Projects to Make, and Woodturning: A Craftsman’s Guide.

I always found Mark to be approachable, and over the years, stopping for a chat at woodturning events became a regular feature. Later, I became a contributing author to Woodturning magazine and found Mark’s support and guidance invaluable. If I was running close to a deadline, he still came across as calm and helpful. Mark was also supportive of the Association of Woodturners of Great Britain (AWGB), always interested in hearing our news and promoting our activities.

Mark was an accomplished and respected turner and teacher. Every time I saw him turn—at demonstrations, seminars, or events—I was impressed by his skillful explanations. He had a knack for communicating at everyone’s level, teaching us while we thought we were just being entertained.

—Paul Hannaby, Chairman, AWGB

In Their Own Words…

“Mark was a leader in the woodturning community, and his depth and thirst for knowledge, in and around the subject of woodturning and its history, was second to none. This came through clearly in his many articles, books, and demonstrations, where he sought to share this.”
—Richard Findley

“As there are captains in industry, so Mark was a captain in the craft of woodturning, who promoted the craft wherever he went. He will be missed for many years to come.”
—John Boyne-Aitken, Chairman, Register of Professional Turners

“Mark’s legacy is an important one. Through his work—and the standard of his work—he has been an ambassador for woodturning and an encouragement and inspiration to countless turners. Mark was the most unassuming man: kind, quiet, considered, and incapable of not sharing his passion for woodturning.”
—Andy Coates

“Mark was passionate about the craft, which came over in his editorials and personal demos. His contribution to the woodturning world during his years with the magazine was immense. Mark enriched the lives of countless people and leaves a lasting legacy to the world of woodturning.”
—Phil Irons, President, AWGB