Date of Birth: June 11, 1907
Zodiac Sign: Gemini
Date of Death: February 1, 1999
Biography
Paul Mellon was an American philanthropist, businessman, and art collector, born into one of the wealthiest families in the United States. He was the son of Andrew W. Mellon, a prominent financier and U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, and Nora McMullen. Paul Mellon grew up surrounded by immense wealth and privilege, which he later used to make significant contributions to society, particularly in the fields of art, education, and horse racing. Paul Mellon attended Yale University, where he developed an interest in literature and the arts. After graduating in 1929, he went on to study at Clare College, Cambridge, in England. His education was interrupted by World War II, during which he served in the United States Army, attaining the rank of major. After the war, Paul Mellon dedicated himself to philanthropy and the arts. He was a major benefactor of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., and the Yale Center for British Art, among other institutions. His extensive art collection included works by some of the greatest artists in history, and he donated many of these pieces to museums. In addition to his contributions to the arts, Paul Mellon was passionate about horse racing. He owned and bred thoroughbred racehorses, achieving significant success in the sport. His horses won numerous prestigious races, including the Kentucky Derby and the Epsom Derby. Throughout his life, Paul Mellon remained committed to using his wealth to benefit society. He passed away on February 1, 1999, but his legacy continues through the institutions and causes he supported.
5 Interesting Facts about Paul Mellon
1. Paul Mellon was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 1985 by President Ronald Reagan.
2. He served as a trustee of the National Gallery of Art for over four decades.
3. His horse, Mill Reef, won the Epsom Derby in 1971 and was one of the most successful racehorses of his time.
4. Paul Mellon was an avid collector of British art and donated over 1,000 pieces to the Yale Center for British Art.
5. He was a founding trustee of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, which supports education, arts, and humanities.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Paul Mellon
1. “To be able to live happily and freely, to look forward to a future of happiness and freedom, is a wonderful thing.”
2. “Art is the greatest form of hope.”
3. “The greatest satisfaction in life comes from knowing that one has helped others.”
4. “Philanthropy is not about giving money but about solving problems.”
5. “The love of beauty in its multiple forms is a gift from the gods.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his wealth, Paul Mellon’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 billion.
Children
Paul Mellon had two children: Catherine Conover Mellon and Timothy Mellon.
Relevant Links
1. [National Gallery of Art](https://www.nga.gov/
2. [Yale Center for British Art](https://britishart.yale.edu/
3. [Andrew W. Mellon Foundation](https://mellon.org/
4. [Paul Mellon on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Mellon
5. [National Medal of Arts Recipients](https://www.arts.gov/honors/medals
