John Bright's life journey began in March 1940, when he was born, and took a dramatic turn with his training at London's E15 drama school, which ignited a passion for the performing arts. As an actor, he worked extensively on the stage, but his fascination with theatrical costumes eventually led him to establish Cosprop in 1965. This innovative company provided costumes for a wide range of productions, including films, operas, and stage shows, as well as catering to private individuals, such as the esteemed Diana, Princess of Wales, who commissioned Cosprop to design costumes for her 1983 Canadian tour.
Bright's connections in the industry proved invaluable, as he was introduced to renowned film costume designer Jenny Beavan through actress Peggy Ashcroft. When Beavan took over as costume designer for the 1984 film "The Bostonians" after Judy Moorcroft's departure, she invited Bright to co-design the film's costumes, marking the beginning of a long-standing collaboration between the two. Together, they worked on twelve films, primarily for the esteemed Merchant-Ivory partnership, with Bright also designing for the opera.
As the years passed, Bright's focus shifted towards running Cosprop with his family members, becoming the company's director in 1991. In the twenty-first century, his energy and expertise have been dedicated to managing the company, solidifying its position as a leading provider of high-quality costumes for the entertainment industry.
