Oliver Messell Paintings

Oliver Hilary Sambourne Messel was a prominent English stage designer, interior decorator, and costume designer. Born in London on January 13, 1904, into a well-connected and artistic family, he was the grandson of the Punch cartoonist Linley Sambourne and his father was the portrait artist and Royal Academician, Leonard Messel. Oliver Messel was educated at Eton College and studied at the Slade School of Fine Art, University College London, which was one of the most prestigious art schools in the UK.

Messel's early career was marked by his work for ballet and theater. In the 1930s, Messel became known for his set and costume designs which were characterized by their elaborate detail and inventive use of materials. He designed for productions at the Vic-Wells Ballet (which later became the Royal Ballet) and was closely associated with ballet dancer Margot Fonteyn, designing sets and costumes for many of her performances. His work was not limited to ballet, as he also contributed to theatrical productions in London's West End and on Broadway, as well as working in film. His film work includes the costume design for the 1946 film adaptation of 'Romeo and Juliet', for which he received an Academy Award nomination.

During World War II, Messel served in the Royal Air Force, but he returned to theater after the war. He became one of the most sought-after designers in the London theater scene, known for his ability to create magical and otherworldly environments on stage. In the 1950s and 1960s, Messel expanded his artistic repertoire to include interior design and architecture. One of his most significant contributions in this field was his work in the Caribbean, particularly on the island of Barbados, where he designed a number of luxury homes and villas that blended traditional Caribbean architecture with his unique aesthetic. These houses are celebrated for their stylish, romantic, and timeless qualities.

Oliver Messel's influence extended beyond the boundaries of any one discipline. His legacy is preserved in the many productions he designed, the homes he decorated, and in the collections of institutions such as the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, which holds an extensive archive of his work. Messel passed away on July 13, 1978, in London. His creativity and vision continue to be celebrated in the worlds of theater, ballet, film, and interior design.