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Paul MellonAmerican philanthropist and horse breeder
Date of Birth: 11.06.1907
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Paul Mellon: A Visionary Philanthropist and Thoroughbred Icon
- Education and War Service
- Marriage and Family
- Art Collecting Legacy
- Yale University Patronage
- Thoroughbred Racing Success
- Charitable Foundations
- Other Philanthropic Endeavors
- Honors and Recognition
Paul Mellon: A Visionary Philanthropist and Thoroughbred Icon
Affluent Heritage and Early LifePaul Mellon was born on June 11, 1907, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Andrew W. Mellon, U.S. Treasury Secretary from 1921 to 1932, and Nora McMullen of Hartford Castle, England. Mellon's grandfather, Thomas Mellon, and his father and uncle, Richard B. Mellon, had built the Mellon Bank and established one of America's foremost business fortunes.
Education and War Service
After graduating from Choate School in 1925, Mellon attended Yale University, where he excelled academically and served as vice-chairman of the Yale Daily News. He later studied at Clare College, Cambridge, earning a B.A. in 1931.
In 1940, Mellon joined the United States Army, serving in the Office of Strategic Services' Morale Operations Division in Europe during World War II. He attained the rank of Major and was awarded four battle stars in the European Theater of Operations.
Marriage and Family
Mellon married Mary Conover Brown in 1935. After her death in 1946, he married Rachel Lambert Lloyd, known as "Bunny." Bunny Mellon was an esteemed gardener and collector of French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, a passion she shared with her husband. They had two adopted children, Stacey Lloyd III and Eliza Lambert Lloyd.
Art Collecting Legacy
Mellon inherited his father's love of art and became a renowned collector. His collection included masterpieces by French and British artists, as well as American paintings. He donated over 1,000 works to the National Gallery of Art, including some of its most iconic pieces.
Yale University Patronage
Yale University was Mellon's primary philanthropic interest. He established the Yale Center for British Art, providing funding for its construction and acquiring the extensive collection of British art and rare books that it houses. Mellon also funded the creation of Ezra Stiles and Morse Colleges, two residential colleges at Yale designed by renowned architects like Eero Saarinen.
Thoroughbred Racing Success
Mellon was a prominent figure in Thoroughbred racing, owning the influential Rokeby Stables. His horses included Kentucky Derby winner Sea Hero and American Horse of the Year winners Arts and Letters and Fort Marcy, all of which are enshrined in the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.
Charitable Foundations
Mellon established the Old Dominion Foundation in 1941 and the Bollingen Foundation in 1945, both dedicated to supporting the advancement of the humanities and humanities education. The Bollingen Foundation published over 100 books before closing in 1969, while the Old Dominion Foundation's assets were combined with his sister Ailsa Mellon-Bruce's Avalon Foundation in 1969, forming the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
Other Philanthropic Endeavors
Mellon's philanthropy extended to various causes, including equine welfare, conservation, and cultural institutions. He provided substantial support to the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation and helped establish the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Sky Meadows State Park in Virginia.
Honors and Recognition
Mellon was a recipient of numerous awards and accolades. He was an Exemplar of Racing, one of only five people ever recognized by the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. He was also inducted into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and the British Jockey Club's Hall of Fame.
Paul Mellon passed away on February 1, 1999, leaving an enduring legacy as a visionary philanthropist, art collector, and patron of education and culture.
