Helen Baillie (1916-1984)

Helen Phoebe Baillie was born in London, England, in 1916 before later making Hamilton, Ontario, her home. A gifted artist, she worked primarily in watercolour and printmaking, bringing a refined sensitivity to both mediums.

She studied at the Hamilton Technical School and later pursued further instruction at the Hamilton Art School, where she refined her technique under notable instructors. Baillie was an active member of the local art community and exhibited frequently in group shows throughout the mid-20th century, particularly through the Women's Art Association of Hamilton (WAAH), The Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolour and other notable institutions. 

Though she did not seek the limelight, Helen Baillie’s paintings remain a testament to the quiet sophistication and skill of regional artists working outside of Canada’s major art centres. Today, her work is appreciated for its historical value and its contribution to Hamilton’s artistic heritage.Baillie’s work found a place in respected collections and was preserved across several major Canadian art libraries, including those at the National Gallery of Canada, the Art Gallery of Ontario, and the Hamilton Public Library Archives .