Tony Duquette was a celebrated American artist and designer known for his extraordinary imagination and eclectic style that blended opulence, fantasy, and theatricality. Born in Los Angeles, California, Duquette studied decorative arts at the Chouinard Art Institute (now part of CalArts) before beginning his career as a designer for stage and film.
In the 1930s and 1940s, his talents caught the attention of Hollywood’s elite. He worked with famed director George Cukor, designing sets and costumes for MGM films, and soon became a favorite of stars like Greta Garbo and Elizabeth Taylor. His creations extended far beyond the screen — Duquette designed interiors, jewelry, furniture, textiles, and stage sets, each infused with his signature flair for drama and extravagance.
In 1949, Duquette became the first American artist to have a solo exhibition at the Louvre Museum in Paris, a rare honor that cemented his international reputation. Over his long career, he created designs for high-profile clients including the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Doris Duke, and Norton Simon, as well as for major productions in theater, opera, and ballet.
Duquette’s design philosophy celebrated beauty, imagination, and the transformative power of art. His interiors — particularly his legendary estate, Dawnridge, in Beverly Hills — exemplified his belief that “more is more.” Collaborating closely with his wife, Elizabeth “Beegle” Duquette, and later with protégé Hutton Wilkinson, he developed a legacy that continues to influence designers and artists worldwide.
Tony Duquette’s work remains a testament to the boundless possibilities of creativity — a vivid world where art, nature, and fantasy converge.