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Stuart Craig, an award-winning production designer who worked on Harry Potter films and The English Patient, has died from Parkinson’s disease.
Craig’s death was announced by the British Film Designers Guild in a post on social media.
The group shared a tribute from Neil Lamont, who was mentored by Craig, and revealed that he died on Saturday.
‘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 was the UK’s and, most probably, cinema’s most revered film Designer, winner of 3 Oscars, Gandhi, Dangerous Liaisons and The English Patient and many other awards. A true giant!’
Lamont shared his treasured memories with the film legend, revealing they worked together on The English Patient, a job which earned Craig an Oscar.
‘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 which he conducted himself in all walks of life, in the Studio, the car, restaurants. A true gentleman, with grace, kindness and humility.’
He added that he will also be remembered by those in the industry, as someone who was kind and free with his advice.
‘Stuart was very generous with his time and advice, always taking the time to share his knowledge and support those around him. We went on to work on so many other films, I had my own shorthand with him after such a long time, so did all the great people on 8 Potter films, and the Fantastic Beasts trilogy. What a great tutor.
‘I bet that anyone you ask, “which designer would you like to work with the most” the answer 100% would be Stuart Craig, and anyone who met him will remember their encounter forever.
‘I replay all mine, all the time, he will never be forgotten. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. I’m so glad I didn’t get the “tin tack” in Tunisia. That’s another story that I will share over a glass or 2 when toasting and remembering “The Gov” with great fondness. Cheers Stuart.’
Morgan Ross shared on X: ‘Stuart Craig was the person who brought Harry Potter locations to life: Hogwarts castle (both inside and out), the Ministry of Magic, Diagon Alley, and much more. Wands up for an absolute legend, RIP’
Will Mavity shared: ‘RIP Stuart Craig. One of the greatest film production designers ever to live. He designed the look of all eight Harry Potter films, along with The English Patient, Gandhi, The Mission, The Elephant Man, and Dangerous Liasons. Devastating loss.’
Craig worked on various films, including The Elephant Man, Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes, Cry Freedom, Chaplin and The Secret Garden.
He won his first Oscar in 1983 for Gandhi, his second for Dangerous Liaisons in 1989 and his third for The English Patient in 1997.
Although he never won an Oscar for his role in the Potter films, he is also remembered for designing the sets, together with his frequent collaborator and set decorator, the late Stephenie McMillan, on all of the Harry Potter films and Fantastic Beasts films, to date.
He was nominated for BAFTAs for the first six films in the franchise.
Craig is remembered by his wife, Patricia Stangroom, and their two children.
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