|

In Memoriam: Howard Brandston

Lighting legend Howard Brandston, formerly of New York City and Claverack, N.Y., died on Friday, February 24 from Alzheimer’s Disease. He was 87 years old.

Howard graduated from Brooklyn College in 1957 and later founded H.M. Brandston & Partners in New York City in 1966, one of the first architectural lighting design firms (now Brandston Partnership or BPI). Over a career spanning 50+ years, he became one of the most recognized lighting designers in the world. He completed more than 2,500 projects globally and is best known for the relighting of the Statue of Liberty in 1986.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Melanie (Manning); his brother, Andrew; and his children Perry, Lori, Sarah, and Raj; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

The sad news was relayed to the lighting industry, by Robert Prouse, Howard’s long-time business associate and retired partner at Brandston Partnership Inc., who wrote, “It is my sad duty to tell you all that Howard Brandston passed away peacefully this afternoon, after a few days in hospice care. For those that didn’t know him, he was a towering figure in architectural lighting design. He was a founding member of the IALD, Past President of the IESNA, and recipient of MANY awards. Memorial service tentatively scheduled for NYC in May.”

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Besal Fund Awards $115,000 in Scholarships for the 2025-2026 Academic Year

    Besal Fund Awards $115,000 in Scholarships for the 2025-2026 Academic Year

    The Robert J. Besal Memorial Education Fund (Besal Fund), a trust established to provide a continuing scholarship program for the advancement of education in illuminating engineering disciplines, is proud to announce the recipients of its scholarships for the 2025-2026 academic year. This year, the Besal Fund has awarded 15 scholarships, totaling $115,000, to students from participating schools…. Read More…

  • Vari-Lite’s VLHive Innovation Debuts on The Wombats Tour

    Vari-Lite’s VLHive Innovation Debuts on The Wombats Tour

    Indie rock icons The Wombats are currently touring with a bold new visual identity, powered by the first touring deployment of the VLHive 151 Digital FX lighting fixture from Vari-Lite, originators of the modern moving head lighting fixture and Signify entertainment lighting brand. The show has been designed by lighting designer Rosie Haigh, who is also Vari-Lite… Read More…