Jeremy Railton dead: Rod Stewart and Barbra Streisand's beloved designer dies age 80

Designer Jeremy Railton, who was responsible for designing stage sets for the likes of Rod Stewart and Barbra Streisand, died on Wednesday, July 9. The news was confirmed on Facebook by friend Sara Boucher, who didn't reveal his cause of death."It is with deep sadness that I share that our guiding light, Jeremy Railton, left us last night, with sweet Ryan and Brian by his side. He was a delicate diplomat, ardent artist, debonair do-gooder, avian altruist, mind-blowing magic maker and heartwarming human of the highest order. He was my Kenobi, Dumbledore and Blue Fairy, all in one. I loved him fiercely. The world has lost a masterpiece of a man," she wrote.

Throughout his career, he became known as one of the most prolific art directors and production designers in the world of popular music. He worked with a wide array of artists alongside Rod and Barbra, including Phil Collins, Luther Vandross, Cher, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Neil Diamond, Ozzy Osbourne, Diana Ross, Julio Iglesias and Fleetwood Mac.

Tributes were paid to the artist as the news broke, with people taking to Facebook to express their condolences. "He was an inspiration and one of the kindest humans on the planet. Fly high, Jeremy. You will always be with us and in the hearts of the many people you touched," one wrote.

"This is heartbreaking news. He was such a vital and inspiring force, a beautiful and thoughtful human and gone far too soon," another commented. A third chimed in: "Such a terrible loss. Jeremy was a genius. Sending condolences."

"Sorry to hear this sad news. He did such beautiful work," a fourth added. "So so sorry to learn this. Barbra always had the most amazing sets. RIP," a fifth penned.

Meanwhile, a sixth recalled: "Sad news. Love the sets he created for the movie, 'Salsa,' when I was at Cannon Films. Kind, talented man."

Jeremy was awarded several Emmys throughout his career in recognition of his work for television. They include the 1987 Daytime Emmy for Hallmark Hall of Fame's children's series Zoobilee Zoo and the 1988 Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Achievement in Art Direction/Set Direction/Scenic Design for Pee-Wee's Playhouse.

His Primetime Emmys include gongs for work on the Academy Awards in 1985 and the Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony in 2002.

In 2017, the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) honoured him with a lifetime achievement award. The Buzz Price Thea Award recognised his distinguished and diverse contribution to the entertainment industry.

TEA Founder, Monty Lunde, commented at the time: "Jeremy is individually imaginative while also being uniquely inclusive, supportive and mentoring to all who help make his creative visions real. He is constantly testing the boundaries of how to create 'wow', but is conscious of real-world budgets and schedules. Jeremy represents the best of what our industry stands for and has elevated many others through his efforts and support."