Arthur Lawson (designer)

Arthur Lawson (1922-2015) was a British stage designer, renowned for his work in opera, ballet, and theatre. He trained at the Old Vic School and began his professional career shortly after World War II. Lawson’s designs were characterized by their strong sense of color, meticulous detail, and ability to effectively serve the dramatic needs of the production. He often incorporated historical research into his designs, creating visually rich and historically plausible settings.

Lawson worked extensively with major British opera companies, including the Royal Opera House, English National Opera, and Glyndebourne Festival Opera. His ballet credits included collaborations with the Royal Ballet and other leading companies. In theatre, he designed for numerous productions in London's West End and at regional theatres throughout the United Kingdom. His designs were frequently praised for their originality and their contribution to the overall artistic success of the performances. Lawson's influence on subsequent generations of stage designers is considerable.