It is with great sadness that the ALPD heard the news that its co-founder and President, passed away yesterday. Richard, esteemed Member No. 1, had been the association’s president for many years. A distinguished lighting designer, producer, and writer, he was a hugely respected consultant for the construction of new performing arts. He was the first lighting director of the National Theatre and founder of Theatre Projects.
Vice-President Rick Fisher said:
“Richard truly was one of a kind, someone who only saw solutions and opportunities. While others can speak more eloquently about his brilliance at design and theatre consulting, his embrace of technological innovations, his importance as author, producer and mentor, what I am most reminded of when I think about this wonderful inspirational man is his true enthusiasm for all the people who make up our world. His instigation of countless associations including the ALPD is a legacy from which we all benefit. He was always excited to see how we would develop and what we all could achieve singly and together as a profession. We can best honor him by working together to improve our industry and create magic in performance. I will miss him!”
Chair Johanna Town said:
“Richard was enormously supportive and welcoming when I became Chair. He was always looking forward and encouraging the younger generation, and anything we could do to support them, welcoming the inception of our Lumière Scheme and the change to our new name.”
When we were debating our name change Richard wrote “The ALD has had an amazingly successful run, in large part thanks to some brilliant leadership and passionate support. Our young profession has been vastly enriched and strengthened by it. Adding the ‘P’ will only dramatically increase its brightness.”
He will be deeply missed by the ALPD and its members, for whom he was a mentor and inspiration.
The ALPD
The Association for Lighting Production and Design (The ALPD) is the body representing all those who work in or are interested in the creation of lighting for live performance and events. It is an association that welcomes lighting designers, technicians and programmers across the full range of performance lighting disciplines. The ALPD was co-founded by Richard Pilbrow in 1961 as the Association of Lighting Designers.