Stuart Craig, the acclaimed production designer behind the Harry Potter films, has died aged 83
His passing comes after a 14-year battle with Parkinson's disease, with his family confirming in a statement he passed away peacefully at home on Sunday (06.09.25), with his death only coming to light on Wednesday
12 September 2025
Born 14 April 1942, Stuart worked on all eight of the Harry Potter films and was widely credited with bringing J K Rowling's wizarding world to life on screen.
In their tribute, his family said: "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."
Stuart's career spanned more than five decades and also included Oscar-winning work on Gandhi (1982), Dangerous Liaisons (1988) and The English Patient (1996.)
He received three Academy Awards in total and was nominated eight more times, including four for the Harry Potter series. He also earned 16 BAFTA nominations, winning three.
Neil Lamont, a fellow production designer who was mentored by Stuart, shared his tribute through the British Film Designers Guild.
He said: "It is with great sadness that I report that my friend and mentor, production designer Stuart Craig passed away last night, 7th September 2025, aged 83, following a long battle with Parkinson's disease.
"Stuart and I first worked together on The English Patient, flying to Tunis to join him was one of the most important days of my career.
"Straight out of the airport, on a recce of a local derelict, ruined building, 40 degrees, nervous, and I probably did one of the poorest surveys ever on a location. It turned out that we subsequently found better places.
"The experiences I had on this film, not only allowed me to see Stuart's talent, his beautiful sketches, pencil drawings and vision, but also the way (in) which he conducted himself in all walks of life, in the studio, the car, restaurants.
"A true gentleman, with grace, kindness and humility."
David Heyman, producer of the Harry Potter films, added: "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, who directed the final four Harry Potter instalments, 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, who married Patricia Stangroom in 1965, is survived by her, their daughters Becky and Laura, and four grandchildren.
He frequently collaborated with set decorator Stephenie McMillan, who died in 2013, on the design of the Harry Potter sets.
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