August 02

Born in Leeuwarden in 1612 to a wealthy Frisian family, Saskia met Rembrandt in 1633. They married in 1634, and she became his muse, appearing in many of his early portraits and etchings. Her refined beauty and expressive presence are captured in works such as 'Saskia with a Red Hat.' The couple had four children, though only Titus survived beyond infancy. Saskia’s death in 1642 deeply affected Rembrandt, who seldom portrayed similar romantic themes thereafter. Her life offers insight into the personal world behind some of the Dutch Golden Age’s greatest art.

Pierre Charles L'Enfant was a French-born engineer and architect who became a naturalized American citizen. He is best known for creating the original plan for Washington, D.C., featuring grand avenues and public spaces. L'Enfant served as a military engineer in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. His design incorporated Baroque planning principles and symbolism to reflect the new nation's ideals. Despite conflicts with city commissioners, his vision laid the foundation for the capital's development. L'Enfant's plan continues to influence the city's layout and urban design to this day.

Born in 1907, Mary Hamman began her career at local newspapers before contributing to prominent magazines on literature and social issues. She authored several non-fiction works exploring American culture and history with clarity and empathy. Hamman gained recognition for investigative articles that highlighted underreported social concerns. As an editor, she nurtured emerging writers and championed journalistic integrity. Her writing bridged academic research and popular readership, leaving a lasting mark on mid-20th-century media. She continued to teach and write until her passing in 1984.

Born in Los Angeles, Bloomingdale became a leading figure in high society and a fashion icon. She was renowned for her elegant style and hosted lavish events that drew cultural luminaries. Deeply committed to philanthropy, she raised millions for art museums, health organizations, and education. She served on the boards of major institutions such as the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Her gracious entertaining style blended sophistication with a genuine dedication to charitable work. She published a memoir recounting her life among Hollywood and social elites. Remembered as both fashion-forward and philanthropic, Bloomingdale left a lasting mark on her community.

Born in 1925 in Cairo, Whicker began his journalism career with the BBC after serving in the Royal Navy during World War II. He launched the television program 'Whicker's World' in 1959, traveling to over 200 countries to profile diverse cultures. Whicker’s inquisitive style and sophisticated presentation made him one of Britain’s most respected travel journalists. His interviews spanned heads of state, artists, and everyday people, offering viewers unique global insights. He received multiple awards for his contributions to television, including a BAFTA Lifetime Achievement Award. In later years, Whicker continued to work on documentaries and published several memoirs. He died in 2013, leaving behind a rich legacy in broadcast journalism.

Born in 1945, Bunker Roy is an Indian educator and activist dedicated to sustainable development. He founded the Barefoot College in 1972 to train rural women in skills such as solar engineering and water management. Under his leadership, the college has educated thousands of villagers from across Asia and Africa. Roy's work has been recognised by international organisations and he continues to advocate for grassroots solutions to poverty. He remains a prominent voice in global social entrepreneurship and education reform.

Laura Bennett began her professional life as a New York City architect before transitioning to fashion design. She gained national recognition as a finalist on Season 5 of Project Runway in 2008, where her structured aesthetic and attention to detail stood out. Following the show, she launched her own fashion label, offering modern, flattering designs for women and an innovative shapewear line. Bennett’s work reflects her architectural background through clean lines and thoughtful construction. She has been featured in major fashion publications and continues to influence the industry with her designs.

Phil Williams is an English journalist and radio host celebrated for his work in talk radio and current affairs programming. He has presented shows on well-known stations, guiding listeners through discussions on politics, culture, and community issues. Williams is recognized for his incisive interviewing style, calm demeanor, and thorough research. His career spans decades, establishing him as a trusted voice for audiences seeking informed dialogue. In addition to broadcasting, he has contributed written pieces to newspapers and online outlets. His dedication to balanced reporting and engagement with public affairs has earned him respect in the media industry.

Charles White Jr., known online as Cr1TiKaL, is an American YouTuber and streamer. He launched his channel in 2007 and gained fame for his monotone delivery and humorous critique of video games. Cr1TiKaL has amassed millions of subscribers and expanded into podcasts, music, and charitable initiatives. He co-founded the esports organization Moist Esports and continues to influence online entertainment. His philanthropic efforts and community engagement have solidified his reputation beyond gaming.

Vikkstar123 (Vikram Barn) is an English internet personality who began uploading gaming videos on YouTube in 2010. He rose to fame with Minecraft and Call of Duty content, amassing millions of subscribers across his channels. As a founding member of the Sidemen, he collaborates on group challenges, charity events, and variety streams. He streams regularly on Twitch and has expanded into esports investments and brand partnerships. Vikkstar123 is celebrated for his engaging style and impact on online gaming communities.