Baldwin initially trained as a painter before studying ceramics at the Central School of Art, London, from, 1951-1954, influenced more by experiential developments in 20th Century Art than any other tradition, Baldwin's work developed in the opposite direction to many of his contemporaries, gradually moving away from purely sculptural abstract forms to an exploration of vessel. Working in series, each piece evolves out of the form.
In 1992, Baldwin was awarded the OBE in recognition of his influential career and achievements, and received an honorary doctorate from the Royal College of Art, London in 2000.