Hugh Casson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Hugh Casson
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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 |
| Died | 15 August 1999 (aged 89) Chelsea, London, England
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| Known for | architect |
| Spouse(s) | Margaret Casson |
| Awards | Albert Medal (1984) |
| Elected | President, Royal Academy |
Sir Hugh Maxwell Casson was a very talented British architect, interior designer, artist, and writer. He was born in Hampstead, London, in 1910 and passed away in 1999. He is most famous for being the main architect for the 1951 Festival of Britain, a big event held in London.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Hugh Casson was the nephew of a famous actor, Sir Lewis Casson. He went to Eastbourne College in East Sussex. After that, he studied at St John's College, Cambridge from 1929 to 1931. He also spent time learning at the Bartlett School of Architecture in London.
Architectural Work
Before World War II, Hugh Casson taught at the Cambridge School of Architecture. He also worked in London with his former tutor, architect Christopher Nicholson.
Championing Modern Design
In 1938, Casson wrote a book called New Sights of London. This book talked about modern buildings in and around London. He wanted to show people new and exciting architecture.
Working for the War Effort
During World War II, Casson used his skills to help his country. He worked in the Camouflage Service for the Air Ministry. This team helped hide important buildings and places from enemy planes.
Leading the Festival of Britain
In 1948, when he was 38 years old, Casson got a very important job. He was chosen to be the director of architecture for the 1951 Festival of Britain. This festival was a huge event in London. It celebrated peace and new ideas after the war.
Casson wanted to give young architects a chance to shine. For example, the Royal Festival Hall, a very modern building, was designed by a 39-year-old architect named Leslie Martin. Because of his great work at the Festival, Hugh Casson was made a Knight in 1952. This meant he could be called "Sir Hugh Casson."
Projects with Neville Conder
After the war, Sir Hugh Casson started a partnership with another young architect, Neville Conder. They worked on many different projects together.
- They designed buildings for companies and universities.
- They created the Elephant House at London Zoo.
- They built a new home for the Royal College of Art. Sir Hugh Casson was a professor there for many years.
- They also designed buildings for the University of Cambridge, including the Austin Robinson Building. This project lasted for about 30 years!
Royal Connections and Art
Sir Hugh Casson was good friends with the British royal family. He designed the inside of the royal yacht Britannia. He is also known for teaching Prince Charles how to paint with watercolours.
In 1970, he became a member of the Royal Academy of Arts. He was even its President from 1976 to 1984. This is a very important role in the art world.
Later Career and Legacy
In the 1980s, Sir Hugh Casson became a television presenter. He had his own show called Personal Pleasures with Sir Hugh Casson. On this show, he visited beautiful old homes and places he loved.
He also drew watercolour pictures for a new edition of a book by John Betjeman called Summoned by Bells.
Honours and Awards
Sir Hugh Casson received many honours for his work:
- He was made a Knight Bachelor in 1952.
- In 1978, he became a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order.
- In 1985, he was appointed to the Order of the Companions of Honour.
Remembering Sir Hugh Casson
You can find many of Sir Hugh Casson's old drawings and papers at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
The Royal Academy gives out "The Hugh Casson Drawing Prize" every year. This award is for a great drawing on paper.
There is also a humorous award named after him by a magazine called Private Eye. It's called the "Sir Hugh Casson Award" and it's given to the "Worst New Building of the Year."
