July 26

Born into the influential Despenser family, Isabel le Despenser inherited the title of Countess of Worcester at a young age. Through her marriage to Richard de Beauchamp, she strengthened alliances with some of England’s most powerful noble houses. Known for her piety and patronage of religious institutions, she supported the foundation of monasteries and charitable works. Her life offers insight into the roles and responsibilities of high-born women in medieval England. She died in 1439, leaving behind a legacy of familial influence and courtly connections.

Born in Hadamar in 1502, Christian Egenolff established his printing press in Frankfurt am Main in 1530. He quickly gained a reputation for producing precise typesetting and detailed woodcut illustrations, contributing to the spread of humanist literature and early Reformation texts. Egenolff collaborated with prominent artists and scholars of his time, expanding the reach of printed knowledge across Europe. His innovative approach to combining art and typography influenced generations of printers. He died in 1555, leaving behind a legacy of craftsmanship that shaped the golden age of German printing.

Born in 1841 in Estonia, Carl Robert Jakobson became a leading voice for Estonian culture and language. He founded and edited the influential newspaper Sakala, using it to advocate for education and social reform. Jakobson promoted agricultural innovation and championed land rights for Estonian peasants. As a politician, he pushed for greater autonomy within the Russian Empire. His writings and speeches galvanized national consciousness and laid groundwork for Estonian independence. Jakobson’s legacy endures in modern Estonia through his cultural and political contributions.

Born in 1844 in what is now Ukraine, Stefan Drzewiecki conducted groundbreaking experiments in submarine engineering. In the 1860s, he built one of the first practical human-powered submarines. He developed innovations such as compressed-air tanks for underwater propulsion and rudimentary periscopes. Drzewiecki also researched hydrofoil designs and aeronautical engines, publishing numerous technical papers. His multidisciplinary approach advanced naval architecture and influenced future submarine development. He remained active in engineering education and journalism throughout his long career.

Born in 1858 in Sydney, Tom Garrett was one of the pioneer players in Australia’s first Test cricket team. He participated in the inaugural Test match against England in 1877 as an opening bowler. Garrett excelled with both bat and ball, captaining New South Wales in domestic cricket. After retiring from sport, he pursued a successful legal career as a solicitor. He remained active in community affairs and contributed to the development of cricket administration. His dual legacy in law and cricket endures in Australian sporting history.

Blake Edwards was born in 1922 in Tulsa, Oklahoma and began his career as a gag writer for radio and television. He directed his first feature film in the late 1950s and achieved international acclaim with classics such as Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) and the Pink Panther series starring Peter Sellers. Edwards was known for his elegant visual style, sharp humor, and ability to blend comedy with pathos. He also wrote and produced many of his films, giving him creative control over his work. Over a career spanning six decades, he directed more than 40 films and earned multiple award nominations. Edwards’s influence can be seen in modern comedy films that balance character-driven humor with stylish direction. He died in 2010, leaving a legacy as one of Hollywood’s most versatile directors.

Born in 1925 in Tomaszów Lubelski, Poland, Gutowski survived the Nazi occupation and postwar Communist regime before emigrating to the West. He began his film career in the United Kingdom, producing his first feature in the late 1950s. Gutowski is best known for his collaborations with director Roman Polanski, producing landmark films like "Repulsion", "Cul-de-sac", and "Macbeth". His production insight helped shape the tone and success of Polanski’s early works. Over his career, he produced more than a dozen films spanning various genres. In his memoir "Od Holocaustu do Hollywood", he recounts his extraordinary journey from survival to cinematic achievement.

Born on 26 July 1937 in Udine, Italy. Studied architecture before joining the design house Zagato in the early 1960s. Created legendary models such as the Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato and the Alfa Romeo TZ. His work is celebrated for its blend of aerodynamic efficiency and timeless elegance. Later collaborated with major manufacturers including Ford and BMW. His designs have influenced generations of automotive styling and remain highly collectible. Regarded as one of the most important figures in modern car design.

Anne Rafferty was called to the bar in 1974 and became a Queen’s Counsel in 1991. She was appointed as a High Court judge in 1997, receiving a Damehood for her service. In 2004, she was elevated to Lady Justice of Appeal in the Court of Appeal of England and Wales. She served as Presiding Judge of the Northern Circuit and presided over key criminal appeals. Rafferty has been recognized for her contributions to legal reform and her expertise in criminal law. Her judgments have influenced sentencing guidelines and defendants’ rights.

Joseph Christopher (1955–1993) was an American serial killer known for a series of murders committed in New York City and Pennsylvania between 1980 and 1981. His crimes, linked by ballistic evidence, caused widespread fear until his arrest. Christopher was convicted of several counts of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. He died in prison in 1993. His case remains notable for the investigation techniques used to connect the crimes.

Tim Schafer is an influential American video game designer known for his innovative storytelling and humor. He began his career at LucasArts, where he worked on classics such as 'Day of the Tentacle' and 'Grim Fandango'. In 2000, he founded Double Fine Productions and led the development of cult favorites like 'Psychonauts' and 'Brutal Legend'. Schafer’s games are celebrated for their imaginative worlds, memorable characters, and witty dialogue. He has received numerous industry awards and continues to push creative boundaries in interactive entertainment.

Mariano Raffo has directed and produced a variety of films that explore social and cultural themes in Latin America. His documentaries have been featured at international film festivals, earning critical acclaim for their storytelling. Raffo's narrative works blend realistic portrayals with creative visual styles. He is known for his collaborative approach and mentorship of emerging filmmakers. Through workshops and film collectives, he has helped nurture new voices in Argentinian cinema.