Hermann Baer was born into a Jewish family in Bavaria, Germany in 1898. He began his career in Berlin, working in interior design and antiques, focusing particularly on medieval and Renaissance art, as well as maiolica. Fleeing Nazi persecution, following the rise of Hitler in 1933, he moved to London in 1936, where he established a renowned antiques shop in London's Mayfair.
Art dealer and collector, Hermann Baer was born into a Jewish family in Bavaria, Germany in 1898. He began his career in Berlin, where he worked in the interior design and antiques department of the well-known furniture shop Hess and Rom, located on Leipzigerstrasse. During this period, he honed his expertise in the fine and decorative arts and formed a close relationship with Lili, the daughter of the shop's owner, whom he later married, solidifying both his professional and personal ties to the art and antiques world.
The political climate in Germany shifted dramatically with the rise of Hitler, bringing about increasing persecution for Jewish families, including the Baers. By 1936, Hermann and Lili, facing a precarious future, decided to leave Germany and seek refuge in England. The couple arrived in London almost penniless, a common reality for many refugees of the time. Despite these initial hardships, Baer’s resilience and deep knowledge of art allowed him to quickly establish himself in the city's flourishing art market. In 1938, Baer opened his antiques shop at 6 Davies Street, located in the prestigious area of Mayfair. The shop became a focal point for collectors and connoisseurs seeking unique and valuable works of art. Baer’s reputation for impeccable taste, integrity, and unmatched expertise in medieval and Renaissance art grew rapidly. His dedication to maintaining honesty in his business dealings was notable; he steadfastly refused to engage in the auction practice known as the ‘Ring,’ despite facing significant pressure and threats from other established dealers (Times obituary). This unwavering commitment to ethical standards, though risky at first, eventually garnered him respect and loyalty among clients and colleagues alike
Baer became a familiar figure at the city's major auction houses, where he acquired exceptional pieces for both his business and his personal collection. His ability to identify and secure extraordinary works cemented his status as one of the preeminent art dealers of his time. His clientele included influential and discerning collectors, such as Kenneth Thomson, whose collection featured rare items, including medieval ivories, baroque enamels, and portrait miniatures. Many of these works later formed the cornerstone of the collection at the Art Gallery of Ontario, in Toronto, Canada, where they remain celebrated to this day. Baer’s shop on Davies Street was not only a place of commerce, but a cultural meeting point for collectors from around the world. His adeptness at curating varied collections that encompassed medieval sculptures, Renaissance maiolica, and fine objects of vertu showcased his deep appreciation for the distinctive and rare. These traits resonated with clients and significantly influenced the tastes and acquisitions of collectors, such as members of the Brenninkmeyer family. Despite his success, Baer remained humble and genuine, known for his straightforward approach to life and art. Hermann Baer died on 9 January 1977 in London, England. After his death, the shop, operating under the stewardship of his second wife Maria, remained open until 1988, continuing his legacy. His son, Peter Baer (1924–1996), became a noted printmaker and art teacher, whose work is held in the Ben Uri Collection. In 2024 Hermann Baer was mentioned in Ben Uri's exhibition, Cosmopolis: The Impact of Refugee Art Dealers in London. In the UK public domain, works purchased from Hermann Baer are in the collections of the V&A and the Government Art Collection, among others.
Consult items in the Ben Uri archive related to [Hermann Baer ]
Publications related to [Hermann Baer ] in the Ben Uri Library