Paul Mellon, American art collector and philanthropist (b. 1907)

Paul Mellon (June 11, 1907 – February 1, 1999) was a towering figure in American philanthropy, a celebrated owner and breeder of thoroughbred racehorses, and a significant patron of the arts. His profound impact across various domains solidified his legacy as a multifaceted individual who leveraged immense inherited wealth for public good and personal passion.

A Legacy of Philanthropy and Art Patronage

Mellon's philanthropic endeavors were extensive and deeply impactful, particularly in the realms of art, education, and environmental conservation. A discerning art collector, he is renowned for his extraordinary gifts that significantly shaped major American institutions. His contributions to the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., were transformative, including thousands of Old Master drawings, prints, sculptures, and paintings. Furthermore, Mellon was the visionary founder of the Yale Center for British Art in New Haven, Connecticut, which opened in 1977. This institution houses the most comprehensive collection of British art outside of the United Kingdom, encompassing paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, rare books, and manuscripts, all gifted by Mellon and his family. His dedication extended to various educational institutions and environmental causes, reflecting a broad commitment to societal betterment.

Distinguished Figure in Thoroughbred Racing

Beyond his philanthropic pursuits, Paul Mellon was an exceptionally successful and respected figure in the world of thoroughbred horse racing. His passion for horses led him to establish Rokeby Stables, which produced numerous champions. Notably, he is one of only five individuals ever to be designated an "Exemplar of Racing" by the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. This elite distinction recognizes individuals who have made truly extraordinary, lifelong contributions to the sport, demonstrating integrity, leadership, and a deep love for racing. Among his most celebrated achievements were winning the prestigious Epsom Derby twice with his homebred horses: Mill Reef in 1971, widely considered one of the greatest European racehorses of all time, and Sea-Bird II in 1965, another legendary champion. His influence extended to breeding, where his meticulous approach contributed significantly to the sport's bloodlines and welfare.

The Mellon Family Fortune: A Foundation of Influence

Paul Mellon was a co-heir to one of America's most formidable business fortunes, established through the Mellon Bank. This financial empire originated with his entrepreneurial grandfather, Thomas Mellon, who founded T. Mellon & Sons Bank in Pittsburgh in 1869. The fortune was further expanded by Paul's father, Andrew W. Mellon, a prominent financier, industrialist, and later U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, and his father's brother, Richard B. Mellon. Their strategic investments and diverse business interests, spanning coal, oil, aluminum, and banking, laid the foundation for immense wealth. In 1957, when Fortune magazine compiled its inaugural list of the wealthiest Americans, it estimated that Paul Mellon, his sister Ailsa Mellon-Bruce, and his cousins Sarah Mellon and Richard King Mellon, were all among the top eight richest individuals in the United States. Their personal fortunes were estimated between $400 million and $700 million each, which, adjusted for inflation, would equate to approximately $3.7 billion and $6.5 billion in today's dollars, underscoring the extraordinary scale of the family's wealth and influence.

Personal Life and Enduring Legacy

Paul Mellon chronicled aspects of his remarkable life in his autobiography, Reflections in a Silver Spoon, published in 1992. This memoir offered insights into his upbringing, passions, and the responsibilities that came with his immense fortune. He passed away at the age of 91 on February 1, 1999, at his cherished home, Oak Spring, in Upperville, Virginia. Oak Spring was not merely a residence but a significant center for his extensive equestrian and horticultural interests. He was survived by his beloved wife, Rachel "Bunny" Lambert Lloyd Mellon, a renowned horticulturalist and landscape designer. Also surviving him were his children, Catherine Conover (who was the first wife of former U.S. Senator John Warner) and Timothy Mellon, and two stepchildren, Stacy Lloyd III and Eliza, Viscountess Moore. Mellon's enduring legacy is defined by his unwavering commitment to cultural enrichment, his transformative impact on thoroughbred racing, and his discreet yet profound philanthropy that continues to benefit countless individuals and institutions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Paul Mellon

Who was Paul Mellon?
Paul Mellon (1907-1999) was a prominent American philanthropist, art collector, and a highly successful owner and breeder of thoroughbred racehorses. He was also a co-heir to the vast Mellon family fortune, derived from the Mellon Bank.
What were Paul Mellon's major philanthropic contributions?
Mellon made significant contributions to art, education, and environmental causes. He is particularly known for his extensive gifts to the National Gallery of Art and for founding the Yale Center for British Art, which houses the largest collection of British art outside the UK.
What was Paul Mellon's role in horse racing?
As the owner of Rokeby Stables, Paul Mellon was a celebrated figure in thoroughbred racing. He bred and raced numerous champions, including two Epsom Derby winners, Mill Reef and Sea-Bird II. His extraordinary contributions earned him the rare distinction of "Exemplar of Racing" by the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.
How wealthy was Paul Mellon?
Paul Mellon was one of the wealthiest Americans of his time. In 1957, Fortune estimated his personal fortune to be between $400 million and $700 million, equivalent to approximately $3.7 billion and $6.5 billion in today's dollars. This wealth stemmed from the family's extensive business interests, primarily Mellon Bank.
What is the "Exemplar of Racing" designation?
The "Exemplar of Racing" is an extremely rare and prestigious honor bestowed by the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. It recognizes individuals who have demonstrated lifelong, exceptional contributions to thoroughbred racing through leadership, integrity, and significant impact on the sport's welfare and heritage.