Stuart Craig dead: Oscar winning Harry Potter icon dies in 'sad day for film industry

Harry Potter legend Stuart Craig has died aged 83, the British Film Designers Guild has confirmed. The iconic film series' production designer is credited with bringing the children's books to life.

He died 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's family told the Guardian. He is best known for designing the look at all eight Harry Potter films. Craig won three Oscars throughout his career and was nominated for eight more of the prestigious awards.

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He had also worked on The English Patient, Gandhi, The Mission, The Elephant Man, and Dangerous Liasons. The designer won best art direction Oscars for Gandhi, Dangerous Liaisons and The English Patient. Throughout his career, Craig was given an impressive 16 nominations and three wins at the BAFTAs.

Tributes from across the film industry have poured in following the sad news as Harry Potter producer David Heyman 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.” Director David Yates, who worked on the final four Harry Potter films, added: “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.” David Puttnam, who worked on The Mission, Cal and Memphis Belle, wrote: “Not only was Stuart the most inventively gifted production designer of his generation, but as a man and a departmental head he certainly ranks among the most exemplary collaborators I ever had the privilege of working with.

"Stuart generated the most incredible sense of loyalty among his team, something which sprung naturally from a debt he felt he owed to those with whom he’d worked, and who had helped him, early in his career.

"Losing Stuart is a very sad day for the whole of the British film industry – he and his influence will be massively missed.”

A fan commented: "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." Craig never picked up an Oscar for his work on Harry Potter, but is remembered for designing the now iconic sets.

He worked alongside frequent collaborator and set decorator, the late Stephenie McMillan, on all the Harry Potter films as well as spin off Fantastic Beasts. Craig is remembered by his wife Patricia Stangroom and their two children.

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