Man Ray was a pioneering artist and photographer whose innovative works bridged the worlds of Surrealism and Dada. Known for his experimental approach, he redefined photography with his "rayographs" and striking portraits while also excelling in painting, sculpture, and film. Known for documenting the cultural elite in France, Man Ray consistently challenged the formal constraints of the visual arts, and his provocative and innovative work continues to inspire and engage audiences today.

Saul Steinberg was a Romanian-born cartoonist and illustrator, best known for his work in The New Yorker, where his playful, imaginative style brought everyday subjects to life. Initially, he studied philosophy before switching to architecture in Milan; however, due to anti-Semitic policies in Italy, he fled and settled in the U.S. Over his career, Steinberg created more than 1,200 drawings, including 87 magazine covers. His work remains relevant today, and his unique blend of fine art and illustration has left a lasting legacy, influencing countless artists and cartoonists around the world.

Bob Noorda was a prominent Dutch graphic designer and typographer known for his influential work in wayfinding and signage, particularly for the Amsterdam Metro. His design philosophy focused on simplicity and clarity, significantly enhancing user experience in navigation. Beyond transit systems, Noorda's impact extended to branding and environmental graphics, influencing projects across Europe and the United States. His legacy continues to inspire designers in public signage and user-oriented design.

Victor Vasarely, often regarded as the father of Op Art (Optical Art), was a Hungarian-French artist renowned for his visually dynamic and geometric abstract works that play with optical illusions. His art is characterised by bold patterns, vibrant colours, and the use of shapes to create movement and depth, challenging the viewer’s perception of space and form. Vasarely’s innovative approach had a significant influence on modern art and design, establishing him as a key figure in 20th-century art.

Josef Müller-Brockmann was a Swiss graphic designer known for his role in developing the Swiss Style, also known as the International Typographic Style. He was famous for his clean, grid-based layouts and minimalist designs, often using sans-serif typography and photography. Müller-Brockmann was a master and a pioneering figure in his field. Even after his death in 1996, his work remains celebrated for its precision and timeless appeal and his influence persists up to this day, inspiring graphic designers all over the world.

Sir Arthur Charles Clarke was undoubtedly one of the most influential science fiction writers of the 20th century. His vivid imagination and visionary ideas revolutionised the genre, inspiring generations of readers and writers. He spent the first half of his life in England, where he served in World War Two as a radar operator, before emigrating to Ceylon in 1956. He is best known for the novel and movie 2001: A Space Odyssey, which he co-created with the assistance of Stanley Kubrick.

Dieter Rams, an iconic figure in product design, revolutionised the industry with his minimalist and functional approach. His work at Braun and his 'Ten Principles of Good Design' continue to inspire and shape contemporary design thinking. Rams is credited with the memorable phrase “Weniger, aber besser,” which translates to “Less, but better.” He is widely regarded as a major influence on Apple's best-selling products and is recognised as one of the most important industrial designers of the 20th century.

George Nelson is often referred to as one of the founders of American modernism, and with good reason. Together with Charles & Ray Eames, Harry Bertoia, Eero Saarinen and the talented designers in his New York studio, he ushered in a new style of design that would change the way we dress our homes forever. While heading up his studio, George Nelson Associates, he gifted the world the Coconut Chair, Marshmallow Sofa, Bubble Lamps and an impressive 130 clock designs.