Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian
(1869 - 1955)
Timeline of the main facts concerning the life of Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian, businessman, diplomat, art collector and philanthropist of Armenian origin. Born in the Ottoman Empire, he lived most of his life in London and Paris. He died in Lisbon, where he established an international foundation bearing his name for the benefit of all humanity.
This timeline records the most significant aspects of Calouste Gulbenkian’s personal life: his family and education, the places where he lived and those to which he travelled, his business affairs and his role as a diplomat. It presents his more personal side, as far as may be gleaned from behind his scrupulous reserve: we highlight some of his allies and friends, record the honours he received and those he declined, and lift the veil on his extensive but discreet philanthropical endeavours. Another thread running through this timeline is the relationship with beauty that he cultivated over his entire life: his love for nature and the extraordinary art collection he amassed, symbolised here by a selection made by the curators of the Gulbenkian Museum, representing each area of his collection.
Based on research in his archives, from which the more than 200 documents featured here are taken, this timeline also draws on the following publications: L’Hotel Gulbenkian, 51, Avenue d’Iena: Memória do Sítio, coordinated by João Carvalho Dias, 2011; Calouste Gulbenkian Fundação 1869–1956–2016, coordinated by Ana Maria Eiró and Teresa Nunes da Ponte, 2016; Mr. Five Per Cent: The Many Lives of Calouste Gulbenkian: The World’s Richest Man, by Jonathan Conlin, 2019.
The twin aims of this timeline are to tell the life story of Calouste Gulbenkian and to bring to light some of the documents in his archives. Conceived as an open-ended resource, this timeline will be enriched by further information and unpublished documents concerning the founder, as and when these come to light, through the research accompanying the conservation of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation’s archives.
1869 - 1891
Origins and educationBirth
Born into a wealthy Armenian family in Scutari (today Üsküdar), on the outskirts of Constantinople, modern day Istanbul, to Sarkis Gulbenkian (1836-1893) and Dirouhi Gulbenkian, née Essayan (1846-1908).
Karnig Gulbenkian
Birth of Karnig (1873-1953) in Constantinople, son of Sarkis Gulbenkian (1836-1893) and Dirouhi Gulbenkian (1846-1908) and brother to Calouste.
Setrak Devgantz
Calouste’s tutor, who accompanied him from childhood. Affectionately known as Dev-Dev, he accompanied Calouste when he went to study in Marseille, and was later tutor also to Nevarte Essayan, Calouste’s future wife, to whom he gave lessons in Armenian. Later still, he was tutor to their son, Nubar. Devgantz remained with the family through to his death in 1940.
Primary education
Attends the Armenian Aramyan-Uncuyan school in Kadiköy, Constantinople; there are also references to his attendance of the French school, St. Joseph’s, in the same city.
Pilgrimage to Jerusalem
His first pilgrimage to Jerusalem, in the company of his parents.
Vahan Gulbenkian
Birth of Vahan (1878-1938) in Constantinople, son of Sarkis Gulbenkian (1836-1893) and Dirouhi Gulbenkian (1846-1908) and brother to Calouste and Karnig.
First step as collector
Aged 14, he uses his first savings to purchase ancient coins in a bazaar in Constantinople.
Secondary education in Marseille
Travels to Marseille to continue his education and perfect his French, enrolling at the École de Commerce, where he studied until 1884.
Studies at King’s College School and King’s College London
Enrols in Classics, first attending King’s College School, located in the basement of King’s College London. In 1885, studied Engineering and Applied Sciences at King’s College London, with a grade of “Distinction” in some of his subjects. In 1887 he was awarded the degree of Associate of that Department.
The beauty of the Bosphorus
In his first letter in English, written whilst travelling home by sea from England, the young Calouste, then 16 years old, describes the spectacle afforded by the other-worldly beauty of the Bosphorus, a sight he took in at sunrise, in one of the first signs of his appreciation of natural beauty that was to stay with him throughout his life.
Journey to Baku
On his father’s suggestion, he travels from Constantinople to Baku, on the shore of the Caspian Sea, then part of the Russian Empire, to learn about the region’s oil fields and the nascent petroleum industry.
Royal Geographical Society
Admitted to the Royal Geographical Society in London, after being proposed for membership by Alfred Clayton Cole and George Bendrick on 8 April 1889.
Workes closely with the Society in subsequent years, donating a set of photographs of the Arax valley and another of the mountains in the Katar district of the Caucasus, in July 1890, and donates of his published work La Peninsule d’Apcheron et le Pétrole Russe, dated 1891.
In 1902 he also contributes £550 to the Antarctic Relief Ship Fund. He continues for the rest of his life to making contributions to the Royal Geographical Society.
Paris Universal Exposition
Visits the Paris Universal Exposition, receiving a participant’s diploma in his capacity as engineer and member of the Congrès international des électriciens.
“Voyages dans les pays des Tapis d’Orient”
Publishes an article entitled “Voyages dans les pays des Tapis d’Orient” in the Levant Herald and Eastern Express in Constantinople, describing the type of carpet looms and traditional woven patterns used in the Caucasus.
“La Transcaucasie et la Péninsule d’Apchéron”
Librairie Hachette, in Paris, publishes his Transcaucasian travelogue, La Transcaucasie et la Péninsule d’Apchéron, dealing with carpets and petroleum. The chapter on oriental carpets, La fabrication des tapis en Orient, was also published that year in Revue archéologique (March-April 1891). Révue des deux mondes (15 mai 1891) publishes the chapter on petroleum, under the title La Péninsule d’Apchéron et le Pétrole Russe.
1892 - 1921
The London yearsC&G Gulbenkian – London office
Opens the London office of the Gulbenkian family business, C&G Gulbenkian (1892-1907), founded with his uncle Garabed.
Marriage
Marries Nevarte Essayan in London, at the Metropole Hotel, where he had been living since 1891.
Journey to Asia Minor
Sails on the Guadalquivir around the coast of Asia Minor. Visits the coastline of Turkey, Syria, Lebanon and Greece. His first extant travel diary records his impressions of the landscape, the buildings, the contrast between the coast of Europe and that of Asia Minor. On the island of Kos, he sits under the Tree of Hippocrates.
“Études sur les Sources de Naphte de Mendèli Vilaye de Bagdad”
Following the publication of his work on Transcaucasia, he draws up a report on the oil fields of Mesopotamia (a territory of the then Ottoman Empire, modern day Iraq) addressed to the Minister for Mines and Forests, Selim Effendi Melhamé, thought to have been commissioned by the Minister of the Civil List of the Ottoman government, Hagop Kazazian Pasha.
Death of Calouste’s father, Sarkis Gulbenkian
At the date of his death, his estate consisted of shares in the family business and other assets, valued at 75,000 Turkish Liras (£7,7 million in today’s money). The estate was divided equally among the three sons.
Birth of his son, Nubar
Birth of Calouste and Nevarte’s first child, Nubar Sarkis Gulbenkian, in Kadiköy, Constantinople.
Flight from Constantinople
The Gulbenkian and Essayan families are forced to flee Constantinople to escape the massacres of the Armenian community in the Ottoman Empire from 1894 to 1896. Travels to Egypt on a steamship operated by a shipping line owned by the Essayan family, and from there makes his way to England.
Trading on the London Stock Exchange
During this period, Calouste brokers deals by raising investment funding, providing loans and buying shares in South African and Australian mining ventures. This experience enables him to amass valuable financial expertise which proved crucial in his future business dealings.
Calouste’s first independent ventures – Frederick Lane
Branching out on his own from the family’s business interests, he works with Frederick Lane on the financial restructuring of Russian oil companies and founds the Russian Industrial and Mining Company.
Lane brokers important deals in the petroleum sector. In February 1898, they together register in London a new company, Schibaieff Oil Company, which obtained kerosene, lubricants and other products previously only available from the Nobel refineries.
Calouste Gulbenkian becomes a friend of Lane, of whom he said: “Without any doubt, he should be considered the father of the British petroleum industry.”
“Deep plate”
Buys an Ottoman Iznik ceramic plate, dating from the late 16th century, at Christie Manson & Woods.
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First house, London
Buys a house at 38 Hyde Park Gardens, in London, which becomes his home.
Alexander Mantashev
Through family contacts, makes the acquaintance of Alexander Mantashev, an Armenian subject of the Russian Empire who had been in the textile trade in Manchester and then returned to the Caucasus, trading in cotton, a business in which Calouste’s family was also engaged. Mantashev had in the meantime become the main shareholder and chairman of the Tiflis Central Commercial Bank and, in view of the potential of petroleum, had purchased oil wells in partnership with a fellow Armenian, Mikael Aramyants.
Gulbenkian was later to play an important role in brokering the magnate’s petroleum deals.
“Wooded landscape” choker plaque
Purchases a choker plaque from French master jeweller and glass designer René Jules Lalique. This was the first of several dozen pieces he was to purchase from Lalique, with whom he developed a close relationship.
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Surp Pirgiç Hospital
Makes a donation to the Surp Pirgiç Hospital, where the Gulbenkian wing was funded by his father, Sarkis Gulbenkian, in the 1880s.
Birth of his daughter, Rita
Birth of his daughter, Rita Sirvarte Essayan Gulbenkian, who was to be the mother of Calouste’s only grandchild, Mikaël.
“The cornfield”
Purchases from Agnew’s the engraving entitled The cornfield (1834), by David Lucas.
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Departure from family businesses
Breaks away from the family businesses C&G Gulbenkian and Co, Gulbenkian Fils and Gulbenk and Selian, publishing an announcement in The London Gazette and releasing circulars in Constantinople and London.
British citizenship
Takes British citizenship.
Royal Dutch and Henry Deterding
He is thought to have his first contacts at this time with Henry Deterding, then director of Royal Dutch, a company exploiting oil fields in the Dutch East Indies. Deterding joined Lane and Calouste in several consortia. Calouste was to be an important business partner of Deterding, acting as an intermediary between Royal Dutch and large Russian firms under Armenian control. At a later stage, Calouste also worked with Royal Dutch, which had then merged with Shell (Royal Dutch Shell), in Mexico and Venezuela.
Lessons in Art History at the Louvre
Undertakes private art lessons at the Louvre Museum with the curator and collector François Camille Benoît.
First automobile
Buys a 40 hp Delaunay-Belleville.
House in Paris at 53 Avenue Montaigne
In Paris, Calouste Gulbenkian lived for a short time at 53 Avenue Montaigne.
Apartment in Paris, at 27 Quai d’Orsay
Rents a fourth-floor apartment at 27 Quai d’Orsay, in Paris, where he will live until he buys the mansion on Avenue d’Iéna.
Young Turk Revolution
In the wake of the Young Turk Revolution, which promised reform and modernisation of the Ottoman Empire, Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian spots an opportunity to invest in the petroleum industry in Ottoman territory and goes on to secure petroleum concessions for the first time.
National Bank of Turkey
Co-founds the National Bank of Turkey, in which he becomes a shareholder and director. The National Bank of Turkey will be instrumental for Deutsche Bank’s plans to finance the Anatolian Railway Company, holding a concession to build the Berlin-Bosphorus-Baghdad rail line, along which lay the oil-rich Mosul region.
Financial and Commercial Advisor to the Turkish Imperial Embassy in London
Is appointed “Conseiller Financier de L’Ambassade Impériale à Londres” by the Grand Vizier Tevfik Pasha.
Financial Advisor to the Turkish Imperial Embassy in Paris
Is appointed “Conseiller Financier près l’Ambassade Impériale à Paris” by the Grand Vizier Tevfik Pasha, whilst continuing in the same role for the Turkish Imperial Embassy in London.
Turkish Petroleum Company
Founding of the Turkish Petroleum Company (1911-1928) to exploit oil fields in the former Mesopotamia, especially in Mosul. Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian drafts the articles of association. With share capital of £80,000, the shares were divided between Deutsche Bank (20%), Sir Ernest Cassel (15%), the National Bank of Turkey (25%), Anglo-Saxon Petroleum Company, a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell (25%) and Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian (15%).
Portrait
Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian’s portrait is painted in Paris by Charles Joseph Watelet.
Venezuelan Oil Company
Plays a key role in the genesis of the Venezuelan Oil Company, owner of an important Venezuelan petroleum concession which was in need of capital for its operation. Royal Dutch Shell is involved as leading shareholder through the good offices of Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian, who himself held an interest in the company.
Foreign Office Agreement
Agreement between the British and German governments consigning 50% of the shares in the Turkish Petroleum Company to the British company Anglo-Persian, with the other 50% divided between Anglo-Saxon and Deutsche Bank. Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian is assigned a beneficiary 5% interest without voting rights, contributed in equal parts by Anglo-Persian and Anglo-Saxon. After the signing of this agreement, the ambassadors of the two countries receive a Lettre Vizirielle from the Ottoman government granting rights to drill for oil in the provinces of Mosul and Baghdad to the Turkish Petroleum Company.
World War I
During World War I, Calouste divides his time between London, Paris and Biarritz, obtaining the necessary safe conduct documents.
Touring Club de France
Joins the Touring Club de France, enabling him to cross between France and England during World War I.
Armenian Genocide
Between one third and half of all Armenians are thought to have perished in the Armenian Genocide. Although not directly affected, Calouste had his properties confiscated in the territory of the Empire and his fellow countrymen were driven out of their ancestral lands.
“Landscape at dusk”
Purchases from Colnaghi the drawing Landscape at dusk by Jean-François Millet (c. 1814-1875).
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Will, 1916
Draws up his first known will, under which the main beneficiaries would be the Surp Pirgiç Hospital of Constantinople and Armenian orphans. Bequests are also made to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Royal Horticultural Society. The remaining capital would go to Nubar, on certain conditions, and the remainder donated to the Palace of Versailles.
Arrest on Channel Crossing
Is arrested by the British authorities for a short time during a Channel crossing on the pretext of his continued role as financial adviser to the Ottoman Empire.
Russian Revolution
Royal Dutch Shell Group
Is appointed agent of Royal Dutch Shell in dealings with the French Government in order to facilitate the government’s access to the petroleum market. During this period, he establishes a relationship with the architect of French petroleum policy, the senator Henri Bérenger.
“Greek vase”
Acquires a vase dating from the 5th century BC from the T. Hope collection, in a sale brokered by Christie Manson & Woods.
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Art collection moved to Biarritz
In the wake of the bombing of Paris, 40 crates containing his art collection are transported to Biarritz.
Compañia Mexicana de Petroleo El Aguila SA
Brokers the acquisition by the Royal Dutch Shell Group of Compañia Mexicana de Petroleo El Aguila SA. Calouste receives a 20% interest for brokering the deal.
Gulbenkian Limited
Sets up his first private company in London, Gulbenkian Limited (1919-1964), to run his affairs and investments, which were growing increasingly complex. From this point on, whenever his interests and operational and fiscal needs so required, he set up private companies around the world, controlled from his London office.
Epidemics Medal
In recognition of his support for the French Health Service, the Ministry of War awarded Calouste the “Médaille d’Honneur des Épidémies”, rewarding those who had particularly distinguished themselves during epidemics. Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian was the financial director of the Hôpital Néerlandais du Pré-Catelan, funded in fully by Royal Dutch Shell (for which Calouste acted as agent in France).
Marriage of Rita and Kevork Loris Essayan
Rita, aged 20, daughter of Calouste and Nevarte, marries Kevork Essayan, 23 years of age, the son of Vahan Essayan, a cousin of Nevarte, and of Anna, a nephew of Nubar Pasha, also of Armenian origin, a politician and public servant in Egypt, where he was Prime Minister four times.
“Apocalipse”
At an auction at Sotheby’s, where he is represented by Devgantz, Calouste purchases the Apocalypse manuscript (1265-1270), which had belonged to Henry Yates Thompson.
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Commercial Adviser to the Persian Imperial Legation in Paris, 1920
Is appointed Commercial Adviser to the Persian Imperial Legation in Paris.
“Assyrian low relief”
Through the dealer Paul Mallon, acquires an alabaster low relief from the Northwest Palace of Assurnazirpal II (9th century BC).
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Armenian refugees
Starts to provide regular support for Armenian refugees who had survived the Genocide and were scattered in the Middle East and Europe.
1922 - 1939
The Paris yearsSt. Sarkis Armenian Church
Funds the building of the St. Sarkis Armenian Church in London. Calouste choses the architect, suggests sources of inspiration for the design of the building and sets up a management body independent of the political and religious authorities.
Marriage of Nubar and Herminia Feijóo
Nubar marries Herminia, of Cuban nationality, at Westminster Registry Office. Calouste and Nevarte oppose the marriage. The marriage lasts three years, after which they separated, divorcing in 1928.
House in Paris at 51 Avenue d’Iéna
Purchases the mansion at 51 Avenue d’Iéna, which he then rebuilt almost from scratch and was to be his Paris home. Calouste entrusts the design to the Mewès & Davies architectural practice – who had built the St. Sarkis Church – assisted by the French architect, Emmanuel Pontremoli. Other design work was commissioned from A. d’Estailleur and the team of René Sergent, Léon Fagnen and René Bétourné. Achille Duchêne was the landscape architect responsible for designing the terrace. The artists and designers René Lalique and Edgar Brand were also hired to create features of outstanding quality.
Howard Carter
Starts to forge a relationship with the archaeologist Howard Carter who, in the employment of Lord Carnavon, was overseeing excavations in Egypt; Carter acted as adviser to Calouste and became a friend. He purchases 23 of the 56 Egyptian pieces in his collection through Carter.
Will, 1923
Draws up a will revoking that of 1916, dividing his estate equally between his wife, Nevarte, and his two children, Rita and Nubar. He also includes family members, his former tutor, Setrak Devgantz, friends, employees and institutions.
Chester Beatty
Business partner and friend of Calouste, this American engineer becomes his ally in the dispute with Henry Deterding and Royal Dutch Shell concerning the management of the Venezuelan Oil Company. Their shared interests extend beyond business, as Beatty (1875-1968) is also a collector of old books and Oriental art.
Journey in France
Travels to Aix-les-Bains for treatments and takes notes on the journey, on architecture and landscapes, which he keeps in a travel diary.
Journey to Italy, 1923
Travels to Italy and stays at the Hotel de Villa d’Este. He records his impressions of the Northern Italian landscape and of the Villa Carlotta, in Tremezzo.
“Solar barque of Djedhor”
At an auction at Sotheby’s, Wilkinson & Hodges, he acquires, through Howard Carter, the Egyptian insignia Solar barque of Djedhor, belonging to the Late Period, 26th–30th Dynasties (c. 380–343 BC), in bronze.
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“Illuminated bible”
At a sale at Sotheby’s, he acquires, through the dealer Bernard Quaritch, an Armenian bible dating from 1623, by the scribe Hakob, belonging to the Armenian school in Constantinople, from the collection of Sir Malcom MacGregor of MacGregor.
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“Jade jar”
At a sale at Christie’s, he acquires, through the dealer Duveen, a jade jar (1447-1449), originating from Samarkand, from the Timurid period.
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Residence in Paris at 51 Avenue d’Iéna
Moves to 51 Avenue d’Iéna and starts to install his art collection there.
Marcele Monteil Chanet
Hires Mlle Marcelle Monteil to classify his art works, keeping her on as his curator. Mlle Monteil, later known as Mme Chanet, was to remain in Calouste’s service up to his death.
“Les Enclos”, 1927
Acquires the first part of a vast estate in Normandy, in the region around Deauville, which was to be called Les Enclos. Additional land was added to the estate in 1937 and 1939.
Mikaël Essayan
Birth, in London, of Mikaël, Calouste Gulbenkian’s only grandchild, the son of Rita and Kevork Essayan.
Participations & Investments Limited
Company founded in Toronto, Canada, by Calouste Gulbenkian in 1928 to represent his 5% in the Turkish Petroleum Company, following on from the negotiations which involved the victorious powers of World War I and culminated in the “Red Line Agreement”. Closed in 1968.
Légion d’Honneur
Calouste Gulbenkian declines the Grand Croix of the Légion d’Honneur for which he had been nominated by Philippe Berthelot, Secretary at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who became Calouste’s friend. From 1920 onwards, they established a relationship of mutual interest when Calouste drew on the full range of his contacts to enable France to get involved in extracting petroleum in Mesopotamia. On Calouste’s suggestion, the decoration was awarded to Nubar, who received the rank of Commander on 7 October 1928.
Marriage of Nubar and Doré Plowden
Nubar and Doré, divorcée and musical hall artist, marry in 1928. They separated seven years later and divorced in January 1939, after a stormy court case.
Journey to Spain
Calouste makes a 16-day trip to Spain, which he describes in a travelogue. He was struck above all by the works of Velázquez, which he saw at the Prado Museum in Madrid, and by the Alhambra and its gardens in Granada.
Red Line Agreement
Signing of the “Red Line Agreement”, governing changes in the ownership structure of the Turkish Petroleum Company which reflected geopolitical changes resulting from World War I. New shareholders took up positions in Turkish Petroleum Company. Calouste Gulbenkian plays a fundamental role in the negotiations between the partners, helping to open the door to an American consortium and favouring France’s entry into the petroleum business, through Compagnie Française des Pétroles, in moves facilitated by Germany’s forced departure from Turkish Petroleum Company. As a result of the changes, D’Arcy Petroleum Company (the forerunner of BP), Anglo-Saxon Petroleum Company (today’s Shell), Compagnie Française des Pétroles (today’s Total) and the Near East Development Corporation (NEDC – a consortium of US oil companies) each owned 23.75% of the shares. A 5% share was reserved for Calouste Gulbenkian, held via Participations & Investments.
The name of the agreement refers to a red line which was drawn on a map of the Middle East, establishing the Turkish Petroleum Company’s operating area, within which the shareholders were not to compete with each other. Calouste Gulbenkian was in agreement with the red line as plotted on the map.
Agreement between Compagnie Française des Pétroles and Participations & Investments Limited
Agreement supplementing the “Red Line Agreement” concluded between Compagnie Française des Pétroles and Participations & Investments Limited, under which the French company purchased Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian’s crude oil from his 5% stake in the Turkish Petroleum Company.
Iraq Petroleum Company
The name of the Turkish Petroleum Company is changed to Iraq Petroleum Company, retaining its head office in London, reflecting the fact that, after the dismantling of the Ottoman Empire and the creation of the Kingdom of Iraq in 1921, the company’s main interests were now located within Iraq.
Hermitage
In the wake of the Bolshevik Revolution, the Hermitage Museum saw its art collection increase in size when the Soviet Union nationalised a significant portion of the art works that had previously been kept in the countless palaces belonging to the Imperial Family and Russia’s elite.
In need of funds, the Kremlin asks the People’s Commissariat of Foreign Trade for a series of measures to bring in several million roubles/gold for the state coffers, in order to “revitalise and implement socialist industrialisation”.
The sell-off of artworks and antiquities belonging to state museum collections became known to Russian historians as “Operation Hermitage”.
Through his business dealings, Gulbenkian developed a network of contacts, both personal and professional, with the Soviet authorities, facilitated by his connections in the fields of petroleum, mining and banking. In the eyes of several key figures in the Soviet nomenklatura, Gulbenkian enjoyed some standing and authority.
Interested in acquiring art, Calouste made the first of several purchases of pieces from the Hermitage, which then proceeded in four stages. In this “1ère achat” he acquires items of jewellery, furniture, a carpet and a painting.
Over the course of February and March 1930, he acquires a second lot, adding new works to his collection, including jewellery and painting.
The third acquisition was completed in June that year. This included paintings and a sculpture.
The final acquisition took place in October 1930, consisting of a painting.
Journey to Italy, 1929
In the autumn, he makes a 21-day trip to Italy, which he records in a travel diary. He describes visits to museums, galleries and the cities he toured: Bologna, Florence, Milan, Modena, Pavia, Parma, Piacenza, Prato and Villa d’Este.
Armenian General Benevolent Union
He serves as Chairman of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (Union Générale Arménienne de Bienfaisance), an Armenian philanthropic association which had been founded in Cairo, in 1906, by Nubar Boghos Pasha, a relation of the Gulbenkians through marriage.
First biography of Calouste Gulbenkian
Private publication, in Marseille, of a biography by Aram Turabian: Calouste Gulbenkian: le milliardaire arménien et sa vie.
Isabelle Theis
Hires Isabelle Theis, a 25-year-old accountant who worked at Avenue d’Iéna. Later widowed, Theis was to accompany Calouste and Nevarte when they moved to Vichy and then again to Lisbon and remained in Calouste Gulbenkian’s service until his death.
Mediterranean cruise, 1930
In the company of his daughter, Rita, he takes a 33-day Mediterranean cruise, on board a yacht, the Narcissus. He visits the island of Elba, Ischia, Procida, Naples, Capri, Sicily, Ithaca, Kefalonia, the Gulf of Patras, Delphi, Corinth, Athens, Crete, Corfu, Knossos, Rhodes and Cos. His travelogue records the itinerary, visits to archaeological sites, the trip to an ancient Greek theatre and his impressions of the landscapes, works of sculpture and a collection of coins.
“Rolltop desk”
Through the dealer Mme Petrocochino, he acquires a rolltop desk by Jean-Henry Riesener dating from the second half of the 18th century, from the collection of Rodolfo de Goldschmidt-Rotheschild.
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Mediterranean cruise, 1932
Makes another trip around the Mediterranean, on board the yacht Ausonia, this time for 45 days, in the company of his daughter, Rita, and his brother-in-law, Yervant. His travel diary mentions visits to the island of Mallorca, northern Africa, Málaga, Sicily and the Adriatic. Above all, he enjoys the natural sights. On the homeward journey, in Marseille, he recalls his early days as a schoolboy in Europe.
Calouste Gulbenkian library in Jerusalem
Official opening of the library built in the complex of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem, funded largely by Calouste Gulbenkian. He is to support this library regularly over his life, making provision in his will for these contributions to continue.
Journey to Munich
Travels on the Orient Express to Munich, where he stays for five days. In a diary, he records his visits to libraries, museums and art galleries, describing their rooms and works in detail.
Journey to Vienna
Travels on the Orient Express to Vienna, for a seven-day visit. In his travel diary, he writes of his intention of studying art in greater depth. He records his visits to several galleries and museums, with detailed descriptions of display cases and works of art.
Journey to Rome and Naples
In January, he makes a ten-day trip to Rome, where he visits galleries, churches, gardens and archaeological remains. His diary records a night at the opera and a day in Naples, where he visited the museum before embarking for Alexandria on board the Ausonia.
Journey to Egypt, Syria and Palestine
He travels through Egypt, Syria and Palestine for 35 days. In Cairo, he goes round the Egyptian Museum and lingers over the treasures of Tutankhamun. He visits mosques, museums and archaeological sites and, in Jerusalem, the holy sites and the library he funded. In Damascus, Syria, he visits an orphanage for Armenian children. He also visits Baalbek, which makes a deep impression on him, Beirut and Haifa, where he also visits the offices of the Iraq Petroleum Company. In Beirut he also visits a camp of Armenian refugees. He ends his journey in Alexandria. His travel diary conserves a number of photographs.
Musée des Etoffes de Lyon
During his stay in Aix-les-Bains, Calouste Gulbenkian visits the Musée des Etoffes de Lyon, in order to study the collection of textiles. In addition to a brief account he made of the journey, he took photographs of the textiles in the museum.
Iraq-Mediterranean pipeline
Opening of the Iraq-Mediterranean pipeline built by the Iraq Petroleum Company. This was the first transnational oil pipeline in the world, covering 1,000 kilometres from Kirkuk to the Mediterranean, and able to transport three million tons of crude a year. Calouste did not attend the opening ceremony, sending his son Nubar to represent him.
Stripped of Turkish nationality
Turkey’s Journal Officiel publishes the decision to strip Calouste Gulbenkian of his Turkish nationality. He was given a period of one year to dispose of his properties and wind up his affairs in the country. Of all the properties belonging to him and his wife, Nevarte, only the Selamet Han building, in Istanbul, remained in his possession.
Journey to Belgium and Holland
He travels to visit museums and churches in Belgium and Holland. His travel diary, incomplete, also records his visits, in route through France, to the cathedrals of Meaux and Rheims.
“Histoire de la Princesse Boudour. Conte des mille nuits et une nuit”
At the Émile Chounard sale, he acquires a French edition of the One Thousand and One Nights (1926), through the dealer Giraud-Badin.
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Loan of art works to the British Museum
Calouste Gulbenkian loans his collection of Egyptian art to the British Museum.
“Animals fighting” carpet
Through the dealer Hans Stiebel, Calouste Gulbenkian acquires a carpet of Persian origin, dating from the mid-16th century, from the Berlin Museum of Decorative Arts.
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Loan of art works to the National Gallery, London
Calouste Gulbenkian loans 22 paintings from his collection to the National Gallery in London, and through to 1939 loaned a further 12 works of art.
The beginnings of the idea of a foundation
He starts a series of conversations with Sir Kenneth Clark, director of the National Gallery in London, concerning plans for a Gulbenkian Institute at the National Gallery. Clark presents architectural plans, by Delano, for a new wing to house Calouste Gulbenkian’s pieces, but the project never goes ahead.
Participations & Explorations
Founding, in Panama, of Participations & Explorations (PARTEX), the company which from 1952 onwards would hold the 5% interest in the Iraq Petroleum Company.
World War II
Art works from the collection moved to Wales
With the prospect of war and the threat of air raids, the works loaned by Calouste to the National Gallery are sent to various locations in Wales, along with other works from the gallery and the British Royal Collection. Later, when air raids were suffered more widely, the works were moved again, this time to an abandoned slate mine, where bomb-proof shelters were created.
Kenneth Clark assures Calouste that the works from his collection are in perfect condition.
“Les Enclos”, 1939
Acquires the final part of the vast Normandy property he had started to put together in 1927, Les Enclos. Hires the landscape architects Achille Duchêne and M. Duprat to design his garden and create a “place of dreams and feelings of peace”.
1940 - 1942
The Vichy yearsVichy
On 10 May, the German army occupies Paris and, two days later, the French government installs itself in Vichy. On 15 July, accompanying the Iranian diplomatic corps, Calouste and Nevarte also travel to Vichy, taking up residence at the Hôtel du Parc et Majestic, where they stay until 1942.
Enemy alien
Declared a “technical enemy” by England in view of his move to Vichy. His interests are seized by the British Custodian of Enemy Property in 1940. The French stake in the Iraq Petroleum Company is also seized and payment of Calouste’s 5% is suspended.
The revocation of his “enemy status” obliges his lawyers to make approaches to the British authorities, alongside his own efforts to bring pressure to bear and pursue contacts with the government. His endeavours are rewarded when, in July 1943, the British Custodian restores to him control of Participations & Investments Limited, although he remains a “technical enemy” until 15 March 1945, when this was officially revoked.
“Beaker”
At a sale at Sotheby’s, he acquires, through the dealer L. Giraud Badin, a beaker in enamelled and gilded glass, originating from Egypt or Syria, from the Mamluk period, first half of the 14th century, belonging to the collection of Georges Eumorfopoulos.
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Garbis Dikram Selian
Garbis Selian, Calouste’s cousin and, since 1938, estate manager at Les Enclos, is imprisoned by Nazi troops and taken to a concentration camp in France. In an exchange of prisoners between the United States of America and German governments, he embarks for the United States of America. Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian was to make concerted use of his diplomatic contacts to arrange for him to return to France, and to Deauville, which he does in 1945.
1942 - 1955
Lisbon: the final yearsLisbon – Hotel Aviz
When Iran and the Vichy government break off diplomatic relations, Calouste Gulbenkian decides to leave Vichy and considers travelling to Switzerland, but he is denied a visa. The alternative destination he decides on is the United States of America. He heads for Portugal, via Madrid, in his Rolls Royce. Nevarte was only to accompany him 15 days later, due to a health problem which obliged her to stay in Vichy. Calouste arrives in Lisbon in April and takes up residence in the Hotel Aviz.
From 1942 to 1943 he seeks authorisation to enter the United States. After his first application is rejected, Gulbenkian obtains visas for himself, Nevarte, his secretary Isabelle Theis, and two French employees. However, he never actually departs, possibly having caught wind of the plan to hand him over to the United States tax authorities and the talks in progress between the British and American authorities with a view to securing joint control of his international financial movements.
He remains in Lisbon until his death, in 1955.
José de Azeredo Perdigão
In late 1942, Calouste Gulbenkian, seeking legal support in Lisbon, is thought to have made the acquaintance, through his connections in the diplomatic world, of José de Azeredo Perdigão, a respected Portuguese lawyer with whom he establishes a close working relationship. Perdigão was involved in drafting the terms of sale of several objects in Calouste’s art collection. He was invited to make the legal arrangements for the two wills drafted in Portugal, in 1950 and 1953, the latter providing for the creation of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation. Calouste appointed him as director of some of his private companies.
Education of Mikaël Essayan
Takes full control of the education of his grandson, Mikaël, who was then at school at Harrow, in the outskirts of London; his parents were in Paris, while Calouste and Nevarte were in Lisbon. Between 1941 and the end of the war, Calouste wrote countless letters to Mikaël, outlining his moral and ethical values and principles.
Arrest in Lisbon
Is arrested for four hours by the Polícia de Vigilância e Defesa do Estado (political police), after refusing to give up some of the rooms reserved for him at the Hotel Aviz but requisitioned by the Portuguese government for a Spanish diplomatic mission.
Nevarte returns to Paris
With the end of the war, Nevarte returns to Paris and to her house on Avenue d’Iéna, joining her daughter, Rita, and her son-in-law, Kevork. Their son, Nubar, remains in London.
Alexis Leger
Corresponds with Alexis Leger, his friend and confidant, a French poet (under the pseudonym Saint-John Perse) and diplomat he is thought to have met in around 1925 and with whom he established a firm friendship. After World War II, the geographical distance between them, with one in Lisbon and the other in Washington, gives rise to a regular exchange of correspondence. Calouste suggests he adopt a common pseudonym, “Douglas”, when they wished to ensure the confidentiality of their correspondence.
Victoria and Albert Museum
Corresponds with Lord Crawford, who suggests the possibility of bringing together Calouste Gulbenkian’s art collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Loan of art works to the National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1948
Transfer of the Egyptian art collection, previously loaned to the British Museum (1936), to the National Gallery of Art in Washington.
Donation of works to the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga
Makes regular visits to the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga (Portuguese Ancient Art Museum) in Lisbon, discussing art with the director, João Couto, who becomes a friend. Starting in 1948, and up to 1952, he donates 18 works of art to this museum.
Marriage of Nubar and Marie
Nubar marries Marie Berthe Edmée de Ayala, with whom he had an established relationship and who was to be his third and last wife.
Roman medallions from Aboukir
Acquires from the Morgan Library, through E. S. G. Robinson, eight medallions from a hoard discovered in Aboukir, Egypt, in 1902.
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Will, 1950
In a new will, Calouste Gulbenkian provides for several financial bequests to his family and closest staff. He expresses his wish that his fortune be kept undivided for a minimum of five years, under the administration of his wife, son, daughter, son-in-law and grandson and of an American financial institution or any other of the first rank in a country better placed for the management of the fortune, in terms of stability, security and taxation, as well as other practical issues. He also determines that his executors should deal with his art collection either by sharing it between different museums, which would coordinate their work with each other, or by concentrating it in a central institution to be set up, under the name of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, which should have educational, artistic and charitable aims.
Loan of art works to the National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1950
Loan of a set of paintings, previously loaned to the National Gallery in London (1936), to the National Gallery of Art in Washington.
Grã-Cruz da Ordem de Cristo
Honoured by the Portuguese State with the Grã-Cruz da Ordem de Cristo (Cross of the Order of Christ). When he later explained to the British government his reasons for declining the title of Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire, he said that he was not consulted in advance on the award of that Portuguese honour.
Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire
Declines a proposal from the British Prime Minister for his name to be included in the recommendations for award of the title of Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire to be submitted to King George VI.
Commercial Adviser to the Persian Imperial Legation in Paris, 1951
Is notified by the Iranian government that Iran had discontinued his diplomatic role.
Residence permit in Portugal
As he no longer enjoyed diplomatic status, he obtains a residence permit in Portugal.
Honorary Fellow, King’s College London
Receives the title of Honorary Fellow, awarded by King’s College London.
Honorary member of the Friends of the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga
Is elected honorary member by the Friends of the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga.
“União Zoófila” – Society for the Protection of Animals
Is awarded the silver medal of the União Zoófila (Society for the Protection of Animals), in recognition of a series of donations to the Lisbon Zoo.
Diamond wedding anniversary
Calouste Gulbenkian and his wife, Nevarte, celebrate 60 years of married life.
Death of Nevarte
Nevarte Gulbenkian dies in Paris, in their home at Avenue d’Iéna, age 80. Calouste receives the news whilst at Les Enclos. Heartbroken, he has all the red roses cut from his garden in Normandy to cover the body of his wife. Nevarte was buried in Nice, next to her brother, Yervant.
Children’s Holiday Camp “O Século”
Awards grants to the Children’s Holiday Camp “O Século” in São Pedro do Estoril, until 1954.
Portuguese Institute of Oncology
Makes a donation to the Portuguese Institute of Oncology for the purchase of equipment.
Final will
After several preparatory drafts and changes to clauses made successively by Calouste Gulbenkian between 1950 and 1952, his last will is drawn up. He establishes his intentions concerning the future of all his estate and the preservation of his fortune, which he wished to dedicate to the future benefit of humankind. He had discussed this matter at length with people he trusted, such as his friend, adviser and British lawyer Lord Radcliffe, Alexis Leger, John Walker and Kenneth Clark, among others.
This will contains the provisions which would lead to the creation of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation based on the following principles: the Foundation would be Portuguese, perpetual and based in Lisbon, with branches in any part of the world if considered to be necessary; its aims would be charitable, artistic, educational and scientific, and its work would be carried out not only in Portugal but anywhere else in the world the trustees saw fit.
In this will, he appoints as trustees of the Foundation, Lord Radcliffe, José de Azeredo Perdigão and his son-in-law, Kevork Loris Essayan. Given that Radcliffe was temporarily barred from accepting the appointment in view of his official duties in the United Kingdom, the will determines that as soon as that impediment ceased, he should take on the duties of trustee and ultimate responsibility for the administration of the bequest and of the Foundation.
Final journey. Paris–Lisbon
Calouste flies from Paris to Lisbon on board a Comet jet airliner especially chartered for him and which he preferred to a DC4 airliner because it offered a faster and more comfortable flight. The nine passengers included his two doctors, Racine and Fonseca, and a nurse.
St. Sarkis Charity Trust
Founds St. Sarkis Charity Trust to provide financial support for St. Sarkis’ Church (London) and the Gulbenkian Library (Jerusalem), as well as for other Armenian institutions. The original trustees were Calouste himself, Sir John Morrison, A. P. Hacobian, Charles P. L. Whishaw, N. M. Ekserdjian and L. G Denton.
Death
Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian dies at the Hotel Aviz, Lisbon, at the age of 86. He is cremated in Zurich and his ashes interred in Saint Sarkis’ Church in London.
