A partner in the theatre consultancy Theatreplan, Richard was also known as the conference director of the International Theatre Engineering and Architecture Conference (ITEAC), which is due to hold its fourth event this year.
After studying engineering at University College London, Richard was trained by the BBC, and went on to work as managing director at Richard Pilbrow's Theatre Projects Consultants from 1967 to 1985, before forming his own professional practice. During his career, Richard was responsible for more than 50 major theatre projects and a large number of more modest performing arts schemes worldwide. He led the development of countless innovations such as the National Theatre's computerised power flying spot-line system, the famous drum revolving stage and the lighting control, Lightboard, and the first use of air castors in the theatre to move architectural elements in Derngate, Northampton.
He joined the Institution of Electrical Engineering (IEE) as a student member in the late 1950s, was made a fellow of the IEE in 1986 and was recognised for 50 years of continuous membership in 2009. Also in 1986, he was also made a fellow of the Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT).
Theatreplan has established an email account where messages of condolence can be left: rememberingrichard@theatreplan.co.ukThe date for the private family funeral will be announced shortly, and a celebration of Richard's life will be held later in the spring, say Theatreplan.
(Lee Baldock)
