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Andrew Mellon
Building an industrial fortune and founding the National Gallery of Art.
Mellon National Bank · Taxation: The People’s Business
- Born
- 24 March 1855
- Birthplace
- Pittsburgh, United States
- Died
- 26 August 1937
More people
Andrew Mellon
Andrew Mellon was an American banker and industrial investor who served as Treasury secretary from 1921 to 1932. His collection and funding established the National Gallery of Art in Washington.
Early life
Pittsburgh family
His father, Thomas Mellon, was a judge and banker.
Early business
Entered the family’s business world as a young man, working in banking in the 1870s.
Career
- 1870s–1910s
Industrial finance
Expanded the family bank and invested in businesses including aluminium and oil.
- 1921–1932
Treasury secretary
Served three presidents, advocating tax cuts during the boom and confronting the Great Depression.
- 1937
National Gallery gift
Provided art and funds for a national museum shortly before his death.
Selected work
Mellon National Bank
Reorganised the family banking business under its new name.
Taxation: The People’s Business
Set out his arguments for federal tax reform.
National Gallery of Art
Congress accepted his gift to establish the museum.
Beyond work
Art collecting
Built a collection of European paintings and sculpture.
Family philanthropy
His children, Paul Mellon and Ailsa Mellon Bruce, continued supporting art and cultural institutions.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Institutional source ↗Photo: Harris & Ewing, photographer. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
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