‘Inspired artist’ Vernon-Smith wins Young Vic Award

Published Friday 20 July 2007 at 12:00 by Lalayn Baluch

Hilary Vernon-Smith, head scenic artist at the National Theatre, has received the Young Vic Award for her contribution to the theatre design industry.

The annual award is presented to theatre professionals who have encouraged and inspired the next generation of creative staff through their life’s work.

Vernon-Smith was chosen by a panel of Young Vic staff and guests, including directors Stephen Daldry, Phyllida Lloyd and Rufus Norris. Also judging the award were designers Alison Chitty, Richard Hudson, and Ian MacNeil, lighting designer Rick Fisher and sound designer Paul Arditti.

Lloyd commented: “Hilary Vernon-Smith epitomises all that the Young Vic Award stands for. She is an unsung heroine of British theatre, an inspired artist and mentor to generations of younger scenic painters and designers. The queen of the paint frame.”

Vernon-Smith joined the NT in 1987 as a temporary scene painter. She was appointed in her present post of head scenic artist 11 years later, and since then she has overseen the painting of more than 350 productions.

The award has previously been presented to the late Clare Venables of the Royal Shakespeare Company for her work with directors and designers, the Royal Court’s Elyse Dodgson for her international work with writers, and the English National Opera’s Phillip Turner for his work with stage managers.