November 10

Marjorie Abbatt was an innovative English toy designer born in 1899. In 1938, together with her husband, she founded Abbatt Toys, a company dedicated to creating educational and aesthetically pleasing toys for children. Influenced by modernist art and progressive education theories, she collaborated with architects and educators to develop playsets that encouraged creativity and exploration. Her designs were showcased at international exhibitions and praised for their blend of functionality and artistic appeal. Abbatt advocated for child-centered learning through play and contributed articles to educational journals. Her work influenced subsequent generations of toy designers and educators around the world. She passed away in 1991, leaving behind a transformative legacy in the world of child development and design.

Born in 1919 in Torre Annunziata, Italy, Dino De Laurentiis began his career in Italian cinema. He produced seminal films like Federico Fellini's 'La Strada' and Sergio Leone's epic westerns. Laurentiis moved to the United States in the 1970s, founding Dino De Laurentiis Productions in Hollywood. He backed blockbusters such as 'Serpico', 'Dune', and 'Conan the Barbarian', showcasing his versatility. Known for his keen eye for talent, he helped launch the careers of numerous directors and actors. Laurentiis received an Academy Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2001. He died in 2010, leaving an indelible mark on international film production and storytelling.