Myfanwy Piper (28 March 1911 – 18 January 1997) was an English art critic and opera librettist.

Mary Myfanwy Evans was born in London. She married the artist John Piper, with whom she lived in rural surroundings at Fawley Bottom near Henley-on-Thames for much of her life. She collaborated with the composer Benjamin Britten on several of his operas.

Together, John and Myfanwy Piper started an artistic dynasty. The most important was their eldest son, Edward Piper (1938–1990). Also son Sebastian Piper (painter and musician), and their grandchildren, Luke Piper (painter) and Henry Piper (sculptor).

She died at Fawley Bottom.

Opera libretti

• The Turn of the Screw, Benjamin Britten, 14 September 1954, Venice (based on the work of Henry James)
• Owen Wingrave, Benjamin Britten, 16 May 1971, BBC (based on the work of Henry James)
• Death in Venice, Benjamin Britten, 16 June 1973, Aldeburgh Festival, Snape, Suffolk (based on Der Tod in Venedig by Thomas Mann)
• Easter, Malcolm Williamson
• What the Old Man Does is Always Right, Alun Hoddinott, 1977
• The Rajah's Diamond, Alun Hoddinott, 1979
• The Trumpet Major, Alun Hoddinott, 1981

External links

• Myfanwy Piper — Opera Libretti
• Picture in the National Portrait Gallery, London

1911 births | 1997 deaths | Opera librettists | English art critics