March 03

Born in Newcastle upon Tyne in 1816, Blacklock developed a passion for landscape painting from an early age. He produced meticulous watercolors and oils capturing the rugged beauty of the English and Scottish countryside. His works often featured serene lakes, rolling hills, and atmospheric skies, reflecting the Romantic tradition. Despite a relatively short career, his art gained acclaim for technical precision and emotional depth. He exhibited at the Royal Academy and influenced later landscape artists. He died in 1858, leaving behind a body of work celebrated for its craftsmanship and poetic sensibility.

Sir Henry Wood (1869–1944) was an English conductor who made classical music accessible to the masses. He founded the promenade concerts in 1895, which evolved into the world-famous BBC Proms. Wood championed British composers like Elgar and Vaughan Williams, premiering many of their works. He served as principal conductor of the Queen’s Hall Orchestra and later collaborated with the BBC Symphony Orchestra. Knighted in 1911, Wood toured extensively, bringing live music to communities across the UK. His motto, 'Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood,' reflects his passion for education through music.

Frida Felser (1872–1941) was a German opera singer renowned for her powerful soprano voice. She performed leading roles in major opera houses across Germany and Austria, including the Berlin State Opera. Felser expanded her artistic range by appearing in early German silent films in the 1910s. Her dramatic portrayals in operas like Carmen earned her both critical acclaim and popular admiration. After retiring from the stage, she dedicated herself to teaching voice, shaping future generations of singers.

Beatrice Wood was an influential figure in 20th-century art, distinguished by her whimsical pottery and avant-garde spirit. She became associated with the Dada movement in Paris during World War I and later established a renowned ceramics studio in California. Wood's luminous glazes and organic forms won critical acclaim, making her one of America’s leading studio potters. She also directed and acted in experimental theater productions. Living to the age of 105, Wood inspired generations of women artists with her creativity and longevity. Her works are held in major museum collections worldwide.

Margaret Bonds was one of the first African-American composers and performers to gain national recognition. A prodigious pianist, she studied under Florence Price and later performed with major orchestras across the United States and Europe. Bonds composed art songs, choral works, and instrumental pieces, many inspired by African-American spirituals and texts by Langston Hughes. Her setting of Hughes' poem 'The Ballad of the Brown Girl' remains a landmark in American vocal music. Bonds also broke barriers as the first black musician to perform with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Throughout her career, she lectured and taught, advocating for the inclusion of African-American music in academic curricula. Her contributions have left a profound legacy in American music history.

Asger Jorn was born in Vejrum, Denmark in 1914 and became a leading figure in European avant-garde art. He co-founded the CoBrA movement, emphasizing spontaneity and experimentation in painting and sculpture. Jorn's work is celebrated for its vibrant color, dynamic forms, and playful symbolism. He was influential as a writer and art theorist, advocating for art's role in society. His sculptures and murals can be found in public spaces across Europe. Jorn's legacy endures through major museum collections and exhibitions showcasing his innovative approach until his death in 1973.

Ronald Searle was born in Cambridge in 1920 and gained fame as a satirical cartoonist and illustrator. He served in Singapore during World War II and survived as a prisoner of war. After the war, Searle developed his signature style featuring sharp lines and dark humor. His most famous creation, the St Trinian's School cartoons, captured British social satire and inspired films. Searle worked internationally, illustrating books, magazines, and advertising campaigns. He received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to art before his death in 2011.

Tamara Lisitsian (1923–2009) was a Soviet film director and screenwriter. She was active in the Soviet film industry during the mid-20th century, directing feature films that combined strong narratives with social themes. Her screenplays were noted for their character-driven storytelling and for reflecting contemporary Soviet society. Lisitsian collaborated with major studios and prominent filmmakers of her era. Her work contributed to the evolution of narrative filmmaking in the Soviet Union, and she remained a respected figure until her death in 2009.

Doc Watson (1923–2012) was an American bluegrass guitarist, singer-songwriter, and musician. Blind from infancy, he developed a distinctive flatpicking guitar style that influenced generations of acoustic players. Watson recorded numerous albums, often collaborating with his son Merle, and won multiple Grammy Awards. His repertoire blended traditional folk, blues, and country music, and he was a central figure in the American folk revival of the 1960s and 1970s. Known for his warm vocals and virtuosic playing, Watson remained a beloved performer until his death in 2012.

Born in Miami, Florida, Garrison rose to prominence in the early 1960s as a member of the John Coltrane Quartet. He played on landmark recordings such as 'A Love Supreme', showcasing his robust arco technique and melodic improvisation. In addition to his work with Coltrane, he recorded as a leader and collaborated with jazz greats like Jackie McLean and Archie Shepp. In the 1970s, Garrison dedicated himself to education, teaching master classes and workshops across the United States. Despite his untimely death in 1976, his innovative approach to the double bass left a lasting impact on the world of jazz.

Born in Portsmouth, Virginia, Ellis graduated from the University of Virginia with a background in art and fashion design. In 1978, he launched his eponymous fashion brand after winning a national design competition. Ellis became known for his vibrant color palettes, relaxed tailoring, and mix of classic and modern styles. His collections for both men and women helped define an era of American sportswear. He collaborated with top photographers and models, gaining international recognition. Although he passed away in 1986, his brand remains a staple of the fashion industry and his designs continue to inspire new generations.

Born Michael John Prendergast in Liverpool, Pender co-founded The Searchers in 1959. As lead vocalist and guitarist, he helped the group achieve international success during the British Invasion. The Searchers scored hits such as 'Sweets for My Sweet', 'Needles and Pins', and 'Don't Throw Your Love Away'. Pender's distinctive vocals and jangly guitar style became emblematic of 1960s rock. After leaving the band, he formed Mike Pender's Searchers and continued to tour worldwide. His contributions have cemented his place in the history of pop and rock music.