Otl Aicher
Graphic designer, typographer, and entrepreneur
A prominent graphic designer and typographer, made significant contributions to visual communication and design. Co-founded the renowned design agency, Hochschule für Gestaltung, in Ulm, which became a key institution in post-war design education. Developed the iconic visual identity for the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, establishing a modern aesthetic in sports branding. Aicher emphasized clarity and functionality in design, influencing numerous projects in both corporate and public sectors. His work encompassed corporate identities, typefaces, and signage systems, leaving a lasting legacy in the field of graphic design.
Visual identity for the 1972 Munich Olympics
Co-founding Hochschule für Gestaltung in Ulm
Other People Born on May 13th
Harry Schwarz
Anti-apartheid diplomat and lawyer
Born
May 13th, 1924 102 years ago
Died
February 5th, 2010 16 years ago — 85 years old
A prominent lawyer and anti-apartheid leader, played a significant role in the struggle against apartheid in South Africa. Served as the 13th South African Ambassador to the United States, contributing to diplomatic efforts during a pivotal period in South African history. Engaged in legal practices and advocacy aimed at dismantling apartheid legislation and promoting human rights. Also involved in various civil society organizations that worked toward equality and justice.
Continue ReadingMike Gravel
American politician and activist
Born
May 13th, 1930 96 years ago
Died
June 26th, 2021 4 years ago — 91 years old
A prominent figure in U.S. politics, this individual served as a U.S. Senator from Alaska from 1969 to 1981. During the Vietnam War, conducted a famous filibuster against the war and was instrumental in the release of the Pentagon Papers. His advocacy for direct democracy and controversial positions set him apart in the political landscape. Ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2008 and 2020, emphasizing issues such as nuclear disarmament and environmental sustainability. His tenure in the Senate was marked by efforts to improve the lives of Alaskans, promoting civil liberties and ethical governance.
Continue ReadingRoger Zelazny
Author of the Amber series
Born
May 13th, 1937 89 years ago
Died
June 14th, 1995 31 years ago — 58 years old
An American author and poet, contributed significantly to the genre of speculative fiction and fantasy. Became prominent in the 1960s and 1970s, with major works that often blurred the lines between reality and fantasy. The 'Chronicles of Amber' series is among the most recognized works, detailing the adventures of Corwin and the complexities of royal family politics in a multiverse. Received several awards throughout the career, including multiple Hugo and Nebula awards for outstanding contributions to science fiction literature.
Continue ReadingAlexis Clairaut
French mathematician and astronomer
Born
May 13th, 1713 313 years ago
Died
May 17th, 1765 261 years ago — 52 years old
Contributed to mathematics and astronomy through significant works, especially in geophysics. Developed methods to calculate the shape of the Earth and made advancements in the understanding of planetary motion. Participated in various scientific endeavors, including the expedition to measure a meridian arc in Lapland. Published notable works that influenced future generations of scientists and mathematicians.
Continue ReadingSebastião José de Carvalho e Melo
1st Marquis of Pombal, Portuguese Prime Minister
Born
May 13th, 1699 327 years ago
Died
May 8th, 1782 244 years ago — 82 years old
Held the office of Prime Minister of Portugal from 1750 to 1777. Implemented significant reforms in education, economics, and administration following the 1755 Lisbon earthquake. Advocated for the reduction of the power of the Church and centralized royal authority, thereby modernizing the state. Initiated infrastructure projects and promoted trade, contributing to Portugal's recovery and growth in the 18th century.
Continue ReadingCharles Watson-Wentworth
British Prime Minister, 2nd Marquess of Rockingham
Born
May 13th, 1730 296 years ago
Died
July 1st, 1782 243 years ago — 52 years old
Served as Prime Minister of Great Britain during two non-consecutive terms in the 18th century. His first term lasted from 1765 to 1766 and was marked by efforts to repeal the Stamp Act, which aimed to tax American colonies. The second term occurred from 1782 until his death in 1782, focusing on peace negotiations following the American Revolutionary War. Active in the Whig party, implemented policies that shaped British governance during a turbulent time.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on September 1st
Ken Wallis
English pilot and engineering commander
Born
April 26th, 1916 110 years ago
Died
September 1st, 2013 12 years ago — 97 years old
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Continue ReadingTadeusz Sendzimir
Engineer and inventor of Sendzimir mill
Born
July 15th, 1894 131 years ago
Died
September 1st, 1989 36 years ago — 95 years old
An engineer and inventor, contributions included the development of the Sendzimir mill, a highly efficient process for cold rolling steel. Born in Poland, later emigrated to the United States, where innovative work transformed steel production techniques. Focused on advancements in materials engineering, particularly in the manipulation of metal. Contributions were crucial to the metalworking industry, enabling the production of thinner and stronger steel sheets, which became widely used in various applications.
Continue ReadingMuhammad al-Bukhari
Persian Islamic scholar, hadith compiler
Born
July 19th, 810 1215 years ago
Died
September 1st, 870 1155 years ago — 60 years old
Born in 810, contributed significantly to Islamic scholarship through the compilation of hadith, which are sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad. His most well-known work, Sahih al-Bukhari, is regarded as one of the most authentic collections of hadith in Islam. Such efforts laid a foundation for future scholarship in Islamic jurisprudence and theology. Al-Bukhari traveled extensively across the Islamic world, seeking authentic narratives, and established rigorous criteria for evaluating hadith reliability. His work remains a cornerstone in Islamic studies today.
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Armenian General and Military Leader
Born
1926 100 years ago
Died
September 1st, 2015 10 years ago — 89 years old
An Armenian general served as a key military leader during the Nagorno-Karabakh War. Held the position of Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Armenia. Played a significant role in military strategy and operations, contributing to the establishment and defense of Armenian territorial integrity.
Continue ReadingCornelis de Houtman
Dutch explorer of Southeast Asia
Born
April 2nd, 1565 461 years ago
Died
September 1st, 1599 426 years ago — 34 years old
Born in 1565, this explorer led the first Dutch expedition to the East Indies, opening new trade routes for the Netherlands. After initial voyages to Spain and Portugal, he sailed to the Indian Ocean, ultimately reaching present-day Indonesia. His expeditions marked the beginning of the Dutch colonial era in Asia and contributed to the establishment of the Dutch East India Company.
Continue ReadingSiegfried Sassoon
English poet and World War I captain
Born
September 8th, 1886 139 years ago
Died
September 1st, 1967 58 years ago — 80 years old
Born in 1886, a captain in the British Army during World War I, contributed significantly to war poetry. Published several collections reflecting the horrors of warfare. Later became a journalist and wrote about social issues and the changing British society. His literary work gained recognition for its emotional depth and anti-war sentiments.
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