Paul Getty

Sir John Paul Getty Jr. (7 September 1932 – 17 April 2003) is the son of American oil tycoon John Paul Getty Sr.

Career

Inheriting vast amounts of wealth from his father, Getty donated over £100 million during his life time either personally or through J Paul Getty Jnr Charitable Trust. He donated £50 million to the National Gallery, £50 million to the British Film Institute, £2 million to the Imperial War Museum, £2 million for a new stand at Lord's cricket ground and £5 million for the cleaning and restoration of the West Front of St Paul's Cathedral. In 2001, after seeing them lose the election, Getty donated £5 million to the Conservative Party.

Despite not being keen to do so, Getty Jr. worked briefly in the family oil business. Although it was not a career he wanted, Getty Jr. was said to have shown promise in business and was an effective diplomat in dealings with Arab potentates.

In 1959, he became head of Getty Oil Italiana and it was during this time he left his father's oil business.

After his father's death in 1976, Getty Jr. received a substantial inheritance predominantly in the form of Getty Oil shares, which after his brother sold Getty Oil to Texaco was £900 million.

Having experimented with drugs earlier in life, Getty Jr. was not a well man for much of his later life, leading to him not being able to attend many public events.

He was a director of Hakluyt & Company from 8 Aug 2002-17 Apr 2003.

Awards

• Getty was appointed an honorary KBE in 1986.
• After acquiring a British passport in 1997, was knighted by the Queen in 1998.

Personal Life

• Wives, Abigail Harris, Talitha Pol and Victoria Holdsworth
• Children, John Paul Getty III, Aileen Getty, Mark Getty, Ariadne Getty and Tara Getty