With a very heavy heart we share the terrible and shocking news: Centre for Fine Woodworking
Will Bayliss
14/10/98 – 10/11/2024
With a very heavy heart we share the terrible and shocking news that we have lost one of the most talented and brightest stars in the world of furniture making and fine woodworking here in the southern hemisphere.
Will was a truly gifted maker and achieved more in his short life than other makers would hope to achieve in a lifetime. Will’s first visit to us here in New Zealand in 2020 was when he was awarded the prestigious and inaugural scholarship to attend Michael Fortune’s residency programme beating over fifty other applicants for the place and by far the youngest. Within the first few days we could all see that although quiet and humble he had immense talent and without a doubt was born to make.
Will returned earlier this year to be an integral part of the 2024 Michael Fortune Residency – still humble but clearly his rare talent for making, the way he so willingly shared his knowledge and encouraged his fellow students was all part of what made Will such a well respected young man. We all knew he would go far and become a phenomenal world class maker.
It’s just so hard to find the words… for one so quiet and humble he left such positivity and inspiration in his wake. We were just in awe of him. Such a gentle soul and beautiful guy to be around. He elevated those around him.
Will, we will miss you enormously – it was a privilege to have known you.
We have received messages from everyone who knew you whilst you were here with us in New Zealand, all expressing their shock and sadness at the loss of a shining shooting star.
On behalf of us all here, we send our love and deepest condolences to Will’s family, the Dunstone team and Stella.
Moe mai, moe mai, moe mai rā, e hoa – We hold you in our hearts
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