Book Description

The collection consists of originals, photocopies, publications, and copies of photographs relating to Shirley Baker's activities in Tonga. Although the full record of Baker's activities lies in other archives, especially the Tongan government, Wesleyan mission, and Colonial Office records, the collection provides useful insights into the character and work of Baker and his descendants. These documents were left to William Waldemar Powell Shirley-Rollison by his aunt Coo Baker, the last of the Shirley Baker children, who died in Tonga in the mid-1950s. They were then passed on to his sons Nigel and David upon his death in 1972. The photographs of Tongan royal memorabilia were added recently by the Shirley-Rollison family. Nigel Shirley-Rollison died in 2008. The originals are in fragile condition and should not be consulted without the permission of the Special Collections Librarian.