Stuart Craig: The Visionary Who Brought Harry Potter’s Magical World to Life Dies at 83
A Legend’s Passing
Stuart Craig, the Oscar-winning production designer renowned for his work on The English Patient, Gandhi and the Harry Potter franchise, has passed away at age 83. His death occurred on September 7th, 2025, following a prolonged battle with Parkinson’s disease.
A Legacy of Excellence
Craig’s illustrious career included early works such as The Elephant Man, Cry Freedom, and Chaplin. His exceptional talent earned him three Academy Awards: his first in 1983 for Gandhi, followed by a second in 1989 for Dangerous Liaisons, and a third in 1997 for The English Patient.
As Production Designer, Craig’s process was meticulous and creative. For the Harry Potter series, he would begin with initial sketches or ‘doodles,’ which would then be refined with the director before being transformed into fully formed concept artwork that guided all departments’ designs.
The Magic of Harry Potter
Craig’s work on the Harry Potter franchise was particularly significant, where he collaborated with Warner Bros. and other filmmakers to create the iconic sets that fans know and love. His designs included the Great Hall, Dumbledore’s office, Diagon Alley, the Ministry of Magic, and the Gryffindor common room, as well as a detailed 1:24 scale model of Hogwarts castle used for exterior shots.
Even after the films concluded, Craig’s influence continued through his work on the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, where he designed new sets exclusively for the tour, including Platform 9¾, ensuring that fans could experience the magic of the wizarding world firsthand.
A Lasting Impact
His contributions to the entertainment industry were widely recognized, with the Warner Bros. Studio Tour receiving multiple awards for its lighting design, including the 2013 IES Illumination Award of Merit and the 2013 Lighting Design Award for Lighting for Leisure. The tour was also named one of the ‘Top 10 Most Innovative Entertainment Design Projects of 2012.’