Pioneering wire bender and masman Albert Bailey died at his home yesterday at the age of 86.
His passing comes days after another mas legend - Lionel Jagessar - died.
Bailey’s relatives said he was discovered unresponsive by his daughter at his Buller Street home in Woodbrook. A district medical officer was contacted and pronounced him dead.
Albert was the brother of mas icons George and Alvin Bailey and was part of the Bailey Carnival dynasty.
The brothers were considered instrumental to the Carnival landscape for decades.
Speaking to Guardian Media yesterday, Bailey’s daughter, Lee Ann, described her father as an amazing artist who was active in the Carnival scene up until his death.
“He had no legs; he was in a wheelchair for four years and he still bending wire and he still doing everything. He worked on a piece, a Scarlet Ibis, with his granddaughter for this country’s 60th Independence Day anniversary. All my father knew was wire bending, and worked with some of the greatest, crafting some of the most amazing costumes.”
Despite battling with medical complications over the last several years, Bailey’s relative explained that he never turned his back on his love for the art form of wire bending.
Allison Bailey said her father’s skill knew no bounds.
“I remember a schoolgirl had come from Bishop Anstey and she wanted something drawn in wire and he did a horse in wire for this child and she was so amazed that Mister Bailey did this and she got full marks and she was so proud of herself,” said Allison.
Having been mentored by her grandfather, Alendra Bailey promised that Carnival 2023 will be dedicated to him.
“My pledge is to pass it on from generation to generation. My grandfather also did a lot of work overseas and one thing I could tell you is that he was always full of life and vibes, his energy was always good,” said Alendra.
No date has yet been set for the legendary wire bender’s funeral.
Last Saturday, celebrated masman Lionel Jagessar Snr passed away at his home in San Fernando.
Jagessar will be laid to rest on Friday.