April 22

John Johnson (1732–1814) was an English architect and surveyor. He oversaw a variety of building projects and land measurements during the Georgian era. Johnson balanced structural functionality with the aesthetic trends of his time. His surveying work supported local development and planning efforts. Although detailed records of his life are scarce, his contributions reflect the expanding role of architectural professionals in 18th century England.

Born in Berlin in 1872, Princess Margaret was the youngest daughter of Emperor Frederick III and Victoria, Princess Royal of the United Kingdom. In 1893, she married Prince Frederick Charles of Hesse, a union that linked German and British royal families. During World War I, she served as a Red Cross nurse, tending to wounded soldiers on the front. After the German monarchy fell in 1918, she lived a largely private life, maintaining ties with European nobility. She passed away in 1954, remembered for her charitable work and her role in European royal history.

Indro Montanelli was one of Italy's most influential journalists and historians. He founded the newspaper Il Giornale and wrote for major publications, combining investigative reporting with vivid storytelling. Montanelli authored comprehensive histories of Italy and World War II that remain bestselling classics. He witnessed and chronicled key events of the 20th century, from fascism to the postwar era. His forthright style and independence shaped Italian media and public discourse and earned him numerous awards.

James Frazer Stirling was born April 22, 1926 in Glasgow, Scotland. He became a leading figure in postmodern architecture, challenging conventional forms and materials. His notable works include the Staatsgalerie Stuttgart, praised for its dynamic circulation spaces, and the Seeley Historical Library in Cambridge. Stirling's style evolved from brutalist roots to playful postmodernism, blending historical references with contemporary techniques. He received the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 1981, recognizing his influence on global architectural discourse. Stirling's legacy endures in his bold approach to public and cultural buildings around the world.

Gani Fawehinmi (1938–2009) was a prominent Nigerian lawyer and social justice advocate. He founded the Nigerian Bar Association's pressure group to challenge injustices and campaigned against government oppression. Fawehinmi took on landmark cases defending political dissidents, journalists, and victims of human rights abuses. He established the Gani Fawehinmi Foundation to promote legal education and access to justice for low-income Nigerians. Endearingly called 'Mr. Lawyer,' his fearless courtroom style and unwavering integrity made him a national icon. Throughout his career, he was arrested multiple times for speaking out against corruption but remained steadfast in his activism.

Issey Miyake (1938–2022) was a visionary Japanese fashion designer renowned for his technological approach to garment-making. He developed groundbreaking pleating methods, notably Pleats Please, which allowed clothing to retain shape and resist wrinkles. Miyake’s garment sculpture designs blended traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern materials and technology. He founded the Miyake Design Studio in Tokyo in 1970 and later launched successful global brands including HaaT and Bao Bao. His work was celebrated in major exhibitions at museums such as MoMA and the Louvre. Miyake received numerous awards for design innovation and remained an influential figure in fashion until his passing in 2022.

Jancis Robinson was born on April 22, 1950. She began her career as a financial journalist before specializing in wine. Robinson earned a master's degree in mathematical statistics at the University of London. She writes a weekly column for the Financial Times and hosts the JancisRobinson.com website. Her 'Oxford Companion to Wine' is widely regarded as the authoritative reference in oenology. Robinson has judged wine competitions around the world and advised top vineyards. She has received an OBE and numerous awards for her contributions to wine literature. Her clear, accessible writing style has educated both novices and professionals.

Jeff Minter was born in England in 1962. He founded Llamasoft in 1982 and produced distinctive games for home computers. Minter's titles, such as 'Revenge of the Mutant Camels' and 'Llamatron,' feature llamas and trippy visuals. He gained acclaim for 'Tempest 2000' on the Atari Jaguar. Minter blends humor, abstract graphics, and unconventional gameplay mechanics. Over his career, he has released games on platforms from the Commodore 64 to modern consoles. He continues to innovate indie game development with a dedicated fan base. He is celebrated as a pioneer in independent and experimental gaming.

Born in Kenya, Quincy Timberlake moved to Australia and pursued a career in engineering. He has championed social causes, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and multicultural representation. Timberlake co-founded community organizations focused on youth empowerment and education. In politics, he ran for local office, emphasizing infrastructure and diversity initiatives. His multidisciplinary work bridges technical expertise and grassroots activism. Quincy Timberlake remains a notable voice in progressive policy debates and social innovation.

Shkëlzen Shala founded successful ventures in the hospitality and food industry in Albania. He is a vocal advocate for veganism, organizing festivals and campaigns to raise awareness. Through his activism, Shala has influenced policy discussions on animal welfare and environmental sustainability. He uses social media and public speaking to educate audiences on the health benefits of plant-based diets. Shala's entrepreneurial background enables him to develop innovative vegan products and restaurant concepts. He continues to bridge business acumen with ethical advocacy, inspiring a growing vegan movement in the region.