Biography

Oliver Messel was born on January 13, 1904 in London, England, UK. He was a costume designer, known for Suddenly, Last Summer (1959), The Thief of Bagdad (1940) and The Scarlet Pimpernel (1934). He died on July 13, 1978 in Bridgetown, Barbados.

Won Broadway's 1955 Tony Award as Best Scenic Designer for "House of Flowers." He also received three other Tony nominations: in 1959, as both Best Scenic Designer and Best Costume Designer for "Rashomon;" and in 1974, as Best Costume Designer for "Gigi."

British stage set and costume designer. Occasional screen credits, 1943-48.

Father: Leonard Charles Rudolph Messel; Mother: Maud Frances Sambourne.

Long-time partner: Vagn Riis-Hansen.

When he was approached about designing sets and costumes for "Caesar And Cleopatra", he was unsure as to how great a fee he should demand, and he went for advice to his great rival, Cecil Beaton. Beaton advised him to go for as much money as possible, saying that film people would certainly pay it to someone of Messel's eminence. He even suggested a particular (very large) sum. He then contacted the film-makers and volunteered his own services for half as much. However, Messel got the job.