GP & J Baker: An Illustrious Past & An Outstanding Archive Of Textiles, Prints & Patterns

GP & J Baker is an entry in our Great British Brands 2024 book. 

GP & J Baker: Great British Brand 2024

‘We are entering a new phase in our business in which there is more scope than ever to create exciting new work. Technological developments, invitations to collaborate with the best brands and organisations – including Pooky Lighting and Historic Royal Palaces, a seemingly inexhaustible archive that dates from the 1700s but which has remained relevant and open to different interpretations – and an audience that is more receptive and adventurous, are propelling us onwards and upwards.

Our focus has always been on producing decorative work that is timeless, adaptable, transcends periods and styles, and never loses its refinement. Trends and fads come and go, so the aim is to design something that defies definition, something that might well borrow from the past, is created in the present, and will endure well into the future.

Our history is an invaluable source of inspiration. We frequently go through the textile, print and rug pattern archives to see what we can use as the basis of a new collection or product. Last October, we launched our Gertrude wallpaper, which was based on a late 17th-century crewelwork embroidered bed hanging by Abigail Pett and later redrawn by Gertrude Jekyll for GP & J Baker. We’d looked at this for years, but it seemed too whimsical. Now it’s exactly what people are after, and we will be expanding this print to include a printed velvet and decorative linen textile.

Technology is indispensable, something that enables us carry out every aspect of our business – from researching patterns and designing to printing and communicating with suppliers – more efficiently. We are not yet making optimum use of AI, but fully expect to. It’s not a case of this or that, of either or, but of all coming together to help make GP & J Baker even bigger and stronger.’

Ann Grafton, Managing and Creative Director

Five Proudest Moments

1. In 1884, brothers George Percival and James Baker bought the silk printing works and archive – some dating from 1750 – of Kent-based Swaisland and founded GP & J Baker.

2. GP & J Baker’s beautiful ferns design was launched in 1935 and has been in continuous production ever since. You’ll see it in all colours on our wallpapers, cushions, fabrics and more. 

3. In 1982, GP & J Baker received a Royal Warrant from Queen Elizabeth II for providing wallpapers and fabrics to the Royal Household. It’s an accolade we cherish. 

4. The V&A Museum celebrated GP & J Baker’s 100-year anniversary in 1984 with an exhibition of archival documents and textiles. We felt very honoured to be recognised in this way. 

5. Our collaboration with fashion retailer H&M in 2018 was an amazing departure, which helped us introduce our brand to a new demographic. We’re looking forward to more partnerships.

What I’ve Learnt…

• Your heritage is your core so use it to inspire and shape your future.
• To succeed you need to be resilient and versatile. Always believe that there are several others ways to approach things.
• Don’t be afraid to diversify and refresh your portfolio and find ways to surprise those who buy from you.

GP & J BAKER

Chelsea Harbour Drive London SW10 0XE

+44 (0)1202 266700

gpjbaker.com

@gpjbaker