Meeting Vaughan Baker

 

A few weeks back we headed down to Penryn, Cornwall to catch up with Vaughan Baker — former pro-skater, painter, and long-time fixture in UK skateboarding — to talk all things clothes, relocating to the coast from the city, thrifting furniture, harbour pints, market towns, shoegaze, and, most importantly, his art practice.

Originally from Worcester, Vaughan made his name through the late-90s and early-2000s UK skate scene riding for the likes of Blueprint, Unabomber, Emerica and Slam City, earning a reputation for raw & powerful video parts, and an uncompromising approach to skateboarding.

After years spent between Birmingham, Bristol and London, he gradually transitioned away from skating professionally, eventually settling into a slower, more creatively grounded life by the coast centred around painting and family life. A key part of that shift came through The Sailors Jail - an art gallery and shop where he first began showing and selling his paintings, helping establish the early footing for his work beyond skateboarding. 

Now based in Cornwall, Vaughan’s world feels shaped as much by coastal light, music and DIY culture as it does by skateboarding. Our conversation drifted through everything from leaving London behind, to charity shop finds, local pubs, analogue routines, raising kids, and what influences his paintings. What came through most was a deep commitment to creativity on his own terms — something that’s carried through from skating into the work he makes today.

 

Vaughan also pulled together a playlist to run alongside the feature - shoegaze staples, overlooked gems, and a few worn-in favourites that soundtrack his studio, the drive into town, and the general rhythm of life down in Cornwall.

 

Created, Produced & Creative Direction - Gavin Campbell

Directed, Shot & Edited - Coby King

Sound Design, Dialogue Edit & Mix - George Hinson

Stills - Gavin Campbell

Talent - Vaughan Baker