Iris Apfel
Businesswoman and interior designer
An influential businesswoman and interior designer with a significant impact on the fashion industry. Established a career in textile and fashion design, contributing to various prestigious projects. Co-founded a textile firm, Old World Weavers, which became a respected resource in the design community. Created a widely recognized eye for color and pattern, leading to collaborations with numerous designers and brands. Regarded for a distinctive personal style, which garnered attention on social media and in fashion magazines. Founded a non-profit organization to promote arts and culture.
Co-founded Old World Weavers
Launched a successful collaboration with MAC Cosmetics
Featured in the 2014 documentary 'Iris'
Other People Born on August 29th
William C. White
Seventh-day Adventist Church minister
Born
August 29th, 1854 171 years ago
Died
1937 88 years ago — 83 years old
A prominent leader within the Seventh-day Adventist Church and son of its co-founder, played a significant role in the church's establishment and development. Served as the first president of the Pacific Union Conference. Contributed to the Adventist Review as an editor and published numerous works promoting the church's mission. Active in various capacities within church administration and education.
Continue ReadingAurèle Joliat
Canadian ice hockey player, NHL star
Born
August 29th, 1901 124 years ago
Died
June 2nd, 1986 39 years ago — 84 years old
Played as a left winger in the National Hockey League (NHL) primarily for the Ottawa Senators and the Montreal Canadiens. Contributed to multiple Stanley Cup victories, solidifying a position as one of the league's top players during the 1920s and 1930s. Known for exceptional offensive skills and goal-scoring ability, ranking among the league leaders in points during his career. After retirement in 1939, transitioned to a role as a coach and scout, continuing to influence the sport.
Continue ReadingJohn Granville
English soldier and politician, 1st Earl of Bath
Born
August 29th, 1628 397 years ago
Died
August 22nd, 1701 324 years ago — 72 years old
Served as an English soldier and politician during the late 17th century. Became the 1st Earl of Bath in 1702. Held the position of Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, overseeing military and civil matters in the region. Participated in various military campaigns and was active in political affairs within England. Navigated the complexities of Irish politics and governance while maintaining loyalty to the crown. His contributions to military and political life in Ireland were significant during a tumultuous period.
Continue ReadingAlbert François Lebrun
French President and Engineer
Born
August 29th, 1871 154 years ago
Died
March 6th, 1950 75 years ago — 78 years old
Served as the 15th President of France from 1932 to 1940. His tenure was marked by the political turbulence leading up to World War II. Before entering politics, contributed to engineering projects in France. Held significant responsibilities during the onset of the war and faced challenges related to the nation's defense and political stability.
Continue ReadingJohn Edward Williams
American author and academic writer
Born
August 29th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
March 3rd, 1994 31 years ago — 71 years old
An American author and academic, contributed significantly to literature with a focus on themes of identity and existence. Served as a professor and wrote extensively in the field. Best known for the novels 'Stoner' and 'Butcher's Crossing', which explore the inner lives and struggles of their characters. Graduate of the University of Denver and later taught writing at the university level.
Continue ReadingWolfgang Suschitzky
Cinematographer for 'The 39 Steps'
Born
August 29th, 1912 113 years ago
Died
2016 9 years ago — 104 years old
Austrian-English cinematographer and photographer contributed to the film industry with a notable career spanning several decades. Worked primarily in Britain, recognized for cinematography on projects including 'The 39 Steps' and 'The Man Who Knew Too Much'. Early life began in Vienna, later emigrated to England before World War II. During the war, served as a cameraman and photographer for the British Ministry of Information. Post-war career included collaborations with prominent directors, showcasing a distinct visual style that enhanced narrative storytelling in cinema. Also engaged in photography, producing striking portraits and landscapes throughout his career.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on March 1st
Bobby Timmons
Jazz pianist and composer of 'Moanin'
Born
1935 90 years ago
Died
March 1st, 1974 51 years ago — 39 years old
A prominent jazz pianist and composer, Timmons became a notable figure during the hard bop era. He collaborated with several leading jazz musicians and is especially recognized for his contributions to the Thelonious Monk Quintet and Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. Timmons gained acclaim for his composition 'Moanin', which became a jazz standard and showcased his unique blend of gospel, blues, and jazz influences. He recorded several albums throughout his career, earning a reputation as a skilled performer and composer in the jazz genre.
Continue ReadingJosé María de Pereda
Spanish author and academic
Born
February 6th, 1833 192 years ago
Died
March 1st, 1906 119 years ago — 73 years old
A Spanish author and academic contributed significantly to 19th-century literature. His works often captured the essence of rural life and regionalism in Spain. He published novels and essays that explored themes of love, social issues, and the human spirit. Pereda's writing style was characterized by a deep appreciation for nature and intricate character development. His most notable work, 'Kern,' showcased his dedication to authentic storytelling and cultural representation. He was also involved in academia, influencing literary studies in Spain through his scholarly contributions.
Continue ReadingPaul Scott
English author, poet, playwright
Born
March 25th, 1920 105 years ago
Died
March 1st, 1978 47 years ago — 57 years old
An English author gained recognition for works that reflected the complexities of colonial and post-colonial India. The critically acclaimed 'The Raj Quartet' series provided an in-depth exploration of British rule in India, consisting of four novels published between 1966 and 1975. His writing often incorporated elements of poetry and theater, showcasing a unique narrative style that combined vivid imagery with intricate character development. Additionally, contributions to poetry and various plays expanded his literary footprint, further establishing a reputation as a significant literary figure of the 20th century. His works prompted discussions around imperialism and cultural identity.
Continue ReadingGirolamo Frescobaldi
Keyboardist and composer of music
Born
1583 442 years ago
Died
March 1st, 1643 382 years ago — 60 years old
An Italian keyboardist and composer, contributed significantly to the development of keyboard music in the early Baroque period. Frescobaldi served as the organist at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. His compositions, which included toccatas, canzonas, and other forms for organ and keyboard, showcased innovative harmonic and contrapuntal techniques. He published several influential collections, including 'Fiori musicali' in 1635, which solidified his reputation as a leading figure in music. Frescobaldi's work influenced numerous composers after him and laid groundwork for the evolution of keyboard music.
Continue ReadingGeorge Wishart
Scottish minister and martyr
Born
1513 512 years ago
Died
March 1st, 1546 479 years ago — 33 years old
A prominent Scottish Reformed minister, played a crucial role in the Protestant Reformation in Scotland. Advocated for religious reforms and denounced papal authority. His teachings and sermons gained significant support, leading to conflicts with Catholic authorities. Captured in 1546, faced execution for heresy, becoming a martyr for the Reformation movement. The events surrounding his death inspired further resistance to Catholicism in Scotland.
Continue ReadingLuigi Vanvitelli
Architect, designer of Palace of Caserta
Born
May 12th, 1700 325 years ago
Died
March 1st, 1773 252 years ago — 72 years old
An Italian architect, active during the 18th century, gained recognition for the design of the Royal Palace of Caserta, a prominent example of Baroque architecture. This monumental structure, commissioned by the King of Naples, showcases an innovative approach to architectural space and design, merging natural landscapes with grandiose building techniques. Vanvitelli's work on the complex included extensive gardens, fountains, and a unique layout that emphasized the grandeur of the royal residence. His contributions to architecture also extended beyond Caserta, influencing various European styles of the time and setting new standards in palace design.
Continue Reading