Biography

James Thomas Baily was born in Sleaford, Lincolnshire in July 1876. He grew up in Sheffield, where his father owned a carpenter's shop. Baily shared his father's passion for craftsmanship, entering the trade as an apprentice at age 12. In his 20s, he began to teach handicraft to others, first at the Manual Training Centre in St. Albans (1897-1911) and then in Kent (1911-15).