Casson, Margaret MacDonald (1913–1999)
Casson, Margaret MacDonald (1913–1999)
Scottish architect and designer. Name variations: Lady Margaret Casson; Margaret Troup. Born Margaret MacDonald Troup, Sept 26, 1913, in Huntley, Aberdeenshire, Scotland (some sources cite Pretoria); grew up in Pretoria, South Africa; died Nov 12, 1999, in London, England; dau. of Dr. James MacDonald Troup (medical advisor to president of South Africa); m. Sir Hugh Casson (architect and professor), Nov 9, 1938 (died 1999); children: Carola Casson (b. 1941), Nicola Margaret Casson (b. 1943), Dinah Victoria Casson (b. 1946).
Known for work in architecture, photography, and sciagrams (shadow drawings), was 1 of few women students at Bartlett School of Architecture, University College, London; set up private architectural practice in South Africa (1938–39); returned to Britain (WWII) and worked as senior tutor for Royal College of Art (1952–74); helped to redesign building interior of Royal Society of Arts (1970s); after husband's appointment as Royal Academy's president (1975), assisted as chair of shop and restaurant committee and established Royal Academy's Country Friends; appointed fellow of Royal Academy (1985) and senior fellow of Royal College of Art (1980).