Vale William Bayliss, 1998–2024

Some stars shine brightly and then, unbelievably, are gone. Today we learned of the untimely death on 10 November, 2024 of Canberra maker William Bayliss, known to many through his achievements as a woodworker. At the age of 26, Will’s ever-expanding skills and artistry were on a trajectory, and for those who knew him, went hand-in-hand with a quiet and unassuming manner.

Will’s talent blossomed early and reached a pinnacle through hard work and dedication. He won awards: FIAA apprentice of the year in 2018, and the Wootha Prize in 2019. For the latter I was one of the judges, and fortunate to see his work up close. In 2020, Will received a fellowship to study alongside and assist Michael Fortune during a residency at the Centre for Fine Woodworking in New Zealand. Reporting on that residency I was able to see Will at work on his curvaceous Wilcannia cabinet.

Bunyjul occasional table, 2021

In 2021, Will Bayliss was judged Overall Winner for Australian Wood Review Maker of the Year for his Bunyjul occasional table. Two years later, Will won the Maker of the Year Awards Arts & Objects category with his Wilcannia cabinet.

It’s clear that a lot more lay ahead for a man whose life was cut short at the age of 26.

Mundi Mundi entrance table, 2024

It’s not overstating to say that Will was cherished as an employee, a colleague and a friend of Evan Dunstone. Apprenticed to Dunstone Design in 2015, Will’s skills and achievements as a maker were underscored by ongoing professional development that in recent years extended to teaching woodwork classes at Dunstone Design as well.

According to Evan Dunstone, ‘William was the greatest Australian woodworker of his generation. He was a skilled craftsman and a multi-award-winning designer. William’s dedication to woodwork was the stuff of legends.

Wilcannia cabinet, 2023

‘William was a person of few words, and he let his hands do most of the talking. He never sought the limelight, but the limelight had a way of finding him. William had a passion for the natural world and especially loved reptiles. His first major winning piece, Bunyjul, referenced the northern frilled necked lizards that used to run across the playground at his school in Darwin.’

William Bayliss will be mourned and missed by many, many people. We extend our sincere condolences to Will’s loved ones and friends at this very sad time.

Linda Nathan, Editor