It is with profound sorrow that we announce the untimely passing of William Bayliss, a beloved member of the class of 2016, who left us too soon on 10 November 2024. William was not only an outstanding student during his time at Radford College but also a vibrant soul and an exceptionally talented 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 many awards: FIAA apprentice of the year in 2018, and the Wootha Prize in 2019. 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.
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.
Mundi Mundi entrance table, 2024
In 2015 Will left Radford College to pursue an apprenticeship with Dunstone Design. 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.”
“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.”
We extend our sincere condolences to Will’s loved ones and friends at this very sad time.
Credit to Linda Nathan, Editor of Australian Wood Review.