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). During the First World War, he was heavily involved with the Quakers' humanitarian efforts, assisting refugees, prisoners of war, and civilians imprisoned in British internment camps. The British government appointed him 'Industrial Superintendent' of the Knockaloe camp, organising craft and building activities to keep prisoners occupied. Knockaloe closed in 1919, and Baily returned to teaching. When the Second World War broke out, he once again participated in Quaker relief projects, this time working with evacuee children. Baily died in 1957, aged 80.