Stuart Craig, Oscar-winning production designer on The English Patient and Harry Potter, dies aged 83

Source: The Guardian

In a glittering career spanning more than four decades his vision contributed to some of the most memorable worlds in cinematic history.

Andrew Pulver Tue 9 Sep 2025 06.48 EDT

Stuart Craig, the multi-Oscar winning production designer for The English Patient, The Elephant Man and the Harry Potter films, has died aged 83.

His family told the Guardian he had died peacefully at home on Sunday after 14 years with Parkinson’s disease. “Our beloved husband and father, deeply loved and respected, was not only known for his talent but also for his kindness and we are moved by hearing of how many lives he touched. He will live on in our hearts forever.”

Craig worked on a glittering array of high-profile British and Hollywood films from the early 1980s onwards, winning best art direction Oscars for Gandhi, Dangerous Liaisons and The English Patient and was nominated for eight more, including for four Potters. His record at the Baftas was even more impressive: 16 nominations and three wins.

David Heyman, producer of the Harry Potter series, said: “Stuart Craig was one of the greatest production designers to work in film. He was also the kindest, most generous and supportive man. He had exquisite taste and a wonderful sense of story. He also had the extraordinary ability to bring out the very best in everyone around him. It was a privilege to work with him, and to be in his orbit.” David Yates, director of the final four Potter films, said: “Stuart was a dear friend and colleague: he was a giant in our industry, graceful, talented, stubborn and always nurturing and supporting emerging design talent. We will all miss him a great deal.”


Stuart Craig with his Oscar for Dangerous Liaisons in 1989. Photograph: Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images

Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/sep/09/stuart-craig-oscar-winning-production-designer-on-the-english-patient-and-harry-potter-dies-aged-83