Lawson Crawford, Trustee & valued friend of Dulwich Picture Gallery - Obituary
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Lawson Crawford, a valued friend and Trustee of Dulwich Picture Gallery. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends at this time.
We are extremely grateful for Lawson’s commitment to the Gallery, his support for our Executive Team, his guidance and advice, and his dedication to connecting communities with arts and culture. Lawson joined the Board of Trustees and Dulwich Picture Gallery Enterprise Board in 2020 and has been fundamental in shaping the legacy of the Gallery for generations to come.
As Director of Legal and Company Secretary at UCL Business, Lawson held extensive expertise as a corporate commercial solicitor in the UK and international matters, including negotiating and advising on corporate and commercial issues, intellectual property, finance, investments, mergers, governance, regulatory compliance and dispute resolution.
During his time at UCLB, he played a pivotal role in significant deals that have brought life-changing benefits to people internationally, through the Apollo Therapeutics and UCL Technology Fund. His colleagues at UCL have reflected on his constant professionalism, and fondly remember his generosity of spirit, warmth of character, and infectious laugh.
Lawson’s significant contribution to Dulwich Picture Gallery and his long-standing commitment to champion the cultural sector will be gratefully remembered.
Dulwich Picture Gallery fondly share thoughts and memories in respect for our fellow Trustee and colleague:
Lawson was passionate about art and spoke movingly about the central part it played in his life. He used his legal mind to support the work of Dulwich Picture Gallery, but also brought his enthusiasm and love for our paintings. He was so looking forward to hearing about fu-ture exhibitions at our next meeting. We are very grateful for everything he did for us, and we are devastated by his loss. Dame Janet Vitmayer, Chair of Trustees, Dulwich Picture Gallery
Lawson was that essential trustee - committed, thoughtful and always enthusiastic. He applied his acute legal mind coupled with great empathy to our commercial deliberations, and his contribution was invaluable. This is a terrible loss but how fortunate we were to have him with us. Benedict Brogan, Vice Chair, Dulwich Picture Gallery and Chair, Dulwich Picture Gallery Enterprises
I loved Lawson’s enthusiasm for every DPG project; he must have been the most wonderfully supportive of trustees for the Executive, but when he had a point of concern, he was razor sharp. Dr Joseph Spence, Master, Dulwich College, and former Trustee, Dulwich Picture Gallery
We have lost a good friend, a wise counsellor, a gentle and a dapper man. Above all, I will miss Lawson’s warmth and his smile. My deepest condolences to his family. Crispin Southgate, Trustee, Dulwich Picture Gallery
Lawson's love for art and his support of the Gallery were irrepressible. He was a well-respected and much-admired member of our Board; measured in his sage advice and generous in praise. We were blessed to have him. His optimistic energy and guidance for our work will remain with us always. Jennifer Scott, Director, Dulwich Picture Gallery