Sir Guy Francis Laking (1875-1919) was born in London. His father, Sir Francis Laking, was a doctor and worked in the service of Queen Victoria. He was interested in the art world from a young age, which led him to study at the Westminster School of Art. After completing his studies he began working at Christie's as an art advisor. He had a great interest in arms and produced several armor catalogs. As a result he published The Armoury of the Knights of St John of Jerusalem in 1900. In 1911 he became curator of the Museum of London.