Website last updated: 4-12-2024

In Memoriam of Set Decorator Michael Ford (1928-2018)

By: Anders Frejdh
Published:
2019-01-29
Michael Ford set decorator 1928-2018
FSWL remembers two time Academy Award winning set decorator Michael D. Ford (1928-2018) who worked on three James Bond films over the years - The Living Daylights (1987), Licence to Kill (1989) and GoldenEye (1995). Michael passed away on 31st May 2018, only 11 days short of his 90th birthday.

Michael Ford was born on 11th June 1928 in South England and worked for over forty years in the film industry during which he won two Oscars® in the Best Set Decoration category, one for Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) and another for Titanic (1997). For the latter, he and art director Peter Lamont recreated the interiors of the doomed liner in precise detail.

Peter Lamont on the news of Michael Ford's passing:


“I’m so sorry to hear about the death of my friend and colleague [Michael Ford], known affectionately as the ‘Flower Arranger’, who collaborated with me on seven productions [Consuming Passions, The Living Daylights, Licence to Kill, The Taking of Beverley Hills, GoldenEye, Titanic and finally Wing Commander] from Mexico to Morocco, LA to Luxenberg and the UK.

He was a very talented set decorator and artist. I never once saw him blow a fuse at work, he was a true gentleman and we will all miss him.”

Actress Meg Ryan presented Peter Lamont and Michael Ford with the Oscar® for Art Direction for Titanic at the 70th Academy Awards® in 1998.


Set decorator Michael Ford with his two Academy Awards (private photo):

Michael Ford with his two Oscars

Ford also received Academy Award nominations for his work on two other films in the Star Wars franchise, The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return Of The Jedi (1983).

EON Productions business card
Michael Ford's business card during the production of GoldenEye. Private photo.

Obituaries in the press about set decorator Michael Ford


>Michael Ford Dies: Oscar-Winning Set Decorator Of ‘Titanic’ & ‘Raiders Of The Lost Ark’ Was 90 (Deadline)
>Oscar-winning British set decorator Michael Ford dies aged 90 (Screen Daily)
>Michael Ford Oscar-winning set decorator obituary (The Telegraph)

Michael originally studied Book Illustration at Goldsmith's College in London, and has always painted as a hobby, especially since retirement. His quirky and witty works juxtapose animals and humans in amusing and unexpected relationships.

Michael Ford Tigers Toffees painting
Michael Ford's painting Tigers Toffees. Copyright © Michael Ford. All rights reserved.

For more information about Michael D. Ford and his amazing artwork, check out his official site.

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#peter_lamont

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Founder & Managing Editor: Anders Frejdh