C. Asquith Baker

Cristina Asquith Baker (1868–1960) was an Australian artist. She is best known for her paintings, lithographs, and textile art. She began her studies in art in Australia, and later spent time training in France and England, gaining expertise in various forms of artistic expression including lithography and carpet-making.

Early life Asquith Baker was born in London, England, in 1868. Her parents were William Asquith Baker and Cristina Millbanks. The family migrated to Melbourne in 1870. William's work as a Presbyterian minister meant the family moved frequently during her childhood, mostly around the state of Victoria. Her niece, Jean Morrison recalls that the members of the extended family were always close-knit, supporting one another and sharing accommodation at times. In a childhood accident, Asquith Baker suffered permanent damage to her right eye. She completed her secondary schooling at the Presbyterian Ladies' College, Melbourne, also attended by her life-long friend and fellow artist Ada May Plante.

After leaving secondary school, Asquith Baker embarked upon her professional training as an artist, which she continued intermittently over the years in Australia and Europe. By 1914 Asquith Baker had undertaken training in printmaking and lithography, possibly studying under the British artist Francis Ernest Jackson. Back in Australia she was able to supplement her painting earnings by teaching classes in painting and drawing at her studio at Alexander Chambers in Elizabeth Street, Melbourne. In 1914, after a London gallery owner encouraged her to focus her work exclusively on studies and paintings of roses, Asquith Baker declared that landscape was a part of her artistic life and she would not give it up.

Exhibitions Exhibitions showing her work include: 1896. Victorian Artists Society exhibition. 1914. Solo exhibition at Miss Nicholl's Studio, England. 1933. Athenaeum Gallery, Melbourne, Victoria. 1935. Athenaeum Gallery, Melbourne, Victoria. 1977. Jim Alexander Gallery, East Malvern, Victoria. Exhibition included C Asquith Baker and several of her contemporaries: Violet Teague, Mary Meyer and A.M.E. Bale (already on show in gallery). 1978. Duvance Galleries. "A Collection of Australian Women Artists, 1900–1970". 1986. Solo exhibition at Jim Alexander Gallery, East Malvern, Victoria. 2018. S H Ervin Gallery, Sydney. "Intrepid Women: Australian Women Artists in Paris, 1900–1950". 2025. Art Gallery of South Australia. "Dangerously Modern: Australian Women Artists in Europe 1890–1940".

Death and legacy Asquith Baker was working in Europe when World War I was declared. She returned to Melbourne that year, and remained there for the rest of her life, apart from time spent in South Australia to support her sister (1939–1945), and an excursion to Alice Springs to paint (aged 87). Art Gallery of South Australia. Cruthers Collection of Women's Art (CCWA) at the University of Western Australia. National Gallery of Victoria. Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art. Art Gallery of New South Wales.