James Acheson

James Acheson (born 13 March 1946) is a British costume designer. He has designed costumes and sets for television, theatre, opera, ballet and film, working in more than 14 different countries.

Early life Acheson was educated at Colchester Royal Grammar School and studied at Wimbledon School of Art.

Career

Television Acheson started working in BBC Television, where he designed the costumes and monsters for 36 episodes of Doctor Who during the eras of the Third Doctor and the Fourth Doctor, including establishing the costume for the Fourth Doctor, played by Tom Baker. Upon creating the look for this character, Acheson purchased the wool for what is now known as the Doctor's signature extra-long scarf. As it was told by Acheson himself, a close friend who accepted the favour of knitting the scarf used the entirety of Acheson's wool. While it was never Acheson's intention for the scarf to be of such a length, it has been reported that he had drawn inspiration for the look from a poster by Toulouse-Lautrec.

Acheson's other work for the BBC included designing the six episodes of the television adaptation of The Prince and the Pauper in 1976.

Films Acheson's film work includes Time Bandits (1981) and Brazil (1985), both directed by Terry Gilliam, Monty Python's The Meaning of Life (1983) and The Wind in the Willows (1996), directed by Terry Jones, Highlander (1986), directed by Russel Mulcahy, The Man in the Iron Mask (1998), directed by Randall Wallace and Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (1994), directed by Kenneth Branagh.

For Highlander, he fashioned a traditional looking Scottish kilt for Christopher Lambert's character to wear. While working on the film The Last Emperor (1987) his team of makers, including cutter Annie Hadley, created costumes for 10,000 cast members in a period of 26 weeks.

Acheson gained his experience working on superhero films by signing on for the first three Spider-Man movies, directed by Sam Raimi as well as Man of Steel (2013) directed by Zack Snyder.

Film director Sam Raimi refers to Acheson as a visionary designer. Actor Alfred Molina credits Acheson for working with him on creating a comfortable, yet realistic costume for his Doc Ock character. In 2006, Acheson was one of the first three costume designers to ever have been awarded by the Rodeo Drive Walk of Style.

Acheson has also mentioned taking a liking to the work of fellow Oscar winner, American Colleen Atwood, for films such as Snow White and the Huntsman. Acheson applauds Atwood for having a large range of work.