Description
Records consist of personal correspondence and telegrams, clippings, a book, and photographs, 1926-1992 and undated, related
to J. Paul Getty, Allene Ashby (Getty's second wife), and Belene Ashby. The records provide some information on the relationship
between Getty and Allene, and Getty and Belene, through unpublished and published materials.
Background
American oil tycoon and art collector J. Paul Getty met the Ashby sisters, Belene and Allene, in the early 1920s. In 1926,
while the three were on a trip to Cuernevaca, Mexico, Paul married 17-year-old Allene. At the time of his marriage to Allene,
Paul was still married to his first wife, Jeanette Dermot, from whom he was divorced in 1927. Paul's marriage to Allene lasted
less than two years; his frequent business trips caused them to drift apart. Their marriage was kept a secret for nine years,
long after it ended. While Paul eventually severed ties with Allene, he maintained a life-long friendship with Belene and
remembered her in his will.
Extent
2.0 linear feet
(3 boxes)
Restrictions
Contact
Rights and Reproductions at the Getty Research Institute for copyright information and permission to publish.
Availability
The records described in accessions 1987.IA.09, 1988.IA.02, and 2003.IA.14 are available for use by qualified researchers.