Hugh Casson
| Sir Hugh Casson | |
|---|---|
Casson in his office, early 1950s; vintage bromide print by John Gay, from the photograph collection of the National Portrait Gallery
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| Born |
Hugh Maxwell Casson 23 May 1910 London |
| Died | 15 August 1999 (aged 89) London |
| Nationality | British |
| Known for | architect |
| Spouse(s) | Margaret Casson |
| Awards | Albert Medal (1984) |
| Elected | President, Royal Academy |
Sir Hugh Maxwell Casson CH KCVO PRA RDI (23 May 1910 – 15 August 1999) was a British architect, interior designer, artist, and writer and broadcaster on 20th-century design. He was the director of architecture at the 1951 Festival of Britain on London's South Bank.
Casson's family originated from Wales. He was the nephew of actor, Sir Lewis Casson. Casson studied at Eastbourne College in East Sussex, then St John's College, Cambridge (1929–31), after which he spent time at the Bartlett School of Architecture in London.
Before the Second World War, he divided his time between teaching at the Cambridge School of Architecture and working in the London office of his Cambridge tutor, architect Christopher (Kit) Nicholson. During the war, he worked in the Camouflage Service of the Air Ministry.
Casson was appointed to his role as director of architecture of the Festival of Britain in 1948 at the age of 38, and set out to celebrate peace and modernity through the appointment of other young architects. For example, the Modernist design of the Royal Festival Hall was led by a 39-year-old, Leslie Martin. Casson's Festival achievements led to his being knighted (KCVO) in 1952.
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