What Happened This Year 1980

People Who Died in 1980

Richard Gurley Drew

Engineer, inventor of masking tape
Born
June 22nd, 1899 125 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 81 years old

An American engineer, this individual invented masking tape while working for 3M in the 1920s. The invention was designed to allow for better paint lines during painting and eventually led to the development of various adhesive products. The innovative product gained widespread use in homes, industries, and automotive applications. The invention's impact on both the professional painting and DIY markets was significant, as it provided a solution for cleaner paint application and helped streamline the painting process.

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Max Miedinger

Swiss Typeface Designer, created Helvetica
Born
December 24th, 1910 114 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 70 years old

A Swiss typeface designer was instrumental in the development of the Helvetica typeface in 1957. The design of Helvetica was commissioned by the Haas Type Foundry in Switzerland, where it quickly gained popularity for its clean and modern aesthetic. This typeface became widely adopted in various forms of media and design, influencing typography in advertising, signage, and business communications. Miedinger's contribution to type design extended beyond Helvetica, as he created several other typefaces and laid the groundwork for contemporary graphics and typography principles.

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C. P. Snow

Chemist and author of 'The Two Cultures'
Born
October 15th, 1905 119 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 75 years old

An influential chemist and novelist, contributed significantly to discussions on the relationship between science and the humanities. Published 'The Two Cultures' in 1959, which critiqued the divide between scientific and literary intellectuals. Served as a civil servant and held various academic positions, including at the University of Cambridge. Engaged in political life, representing the Labour Party in the House of Lords.

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Gastone Nencini

Italian cyclist, Giro d'Italia winner
Born
March 1st, 1930 95 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 50 years old

Cyclist achieved notable success in professional cycling. Secured the overall victory in the Giro d'Italia in 1960. Competed in various prestigious races, showcasing strong performance in the European cycling circuit. Represented Italy in international competitions during the 1950s and 1960s, contributing to the country's rich cycling heritage.

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Karl Olivecrona

Swedish lawyer and philosopher
Born
October 25th, 1897 127 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 83 years old

Contributed significantly to legal theory and philosophy. Served as a professor of jurisprudence at Uppsala University. Olivecrona developed a unique approach to analyzing the relationship between law and language. Authored several influential works, including 'Legal Philosophy' which explored the foundations of legal norms and their implications. Engaged in debates concerning the nature of law and the role of judges in legal systems, advocating for a more analytical framework to understand legal principles.

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