Yale School of Art mourns the passing of William Bailey

April 17, 2020

We are saddened to share the news with the School of Art community that William Bailey, distinguished alumnus, former dean and faculty member, as well as the Kingman Brewster Professor Emeritus of Art, passed away on April 13, 2020 at his home in Branford, Connecticut due to complications from an existing illness. Regarded in his art practice for his meditative approach to realism, Bailey was an esteemed member of the Yale School of Art faculty and community, and he played a pivotal role in informing and developing its pedagogy for nearly three decades.

Having earned both his BFA in 1955 and his MFA in 1957 at what was then the Yale School of Art and Architecture, William “Bill” Bailey joined the faculty as a Professor of Art in 1969 before his appointment as Dean from 1974 to 1975. During his time as Professor and then as Dean, Bailey was essential in fostering a sense of academic continuity as the institution formally became designated as the Yale School of Art when the School of Architecture was established as a separate school by the University in 1972. After his time as Dean, Bailey continued to serve as a prominent member of the faculty in the department of Painting until retiring in 1995.

The School of Art extends sincere condolences to Professor Bailey’s family and loved ones at this sad time.