Nubar Sarkis Gulbenkian — the son of oil magnate Calouste Gulbenkian — was a British-Armenian diplomat, socialite, and one of the most distinctive personalities of 20th century international society, famous for his wit, his orchid buttonhole, and his specially fitted Rolls-Royce.
Nubar Sarkis Gulbenkian was born on June 2, 1896, in Üsküdar (Constantinople), the son of oil magnate Calouste Gulbenkian. He was educated at Harrow and Trinity College, Cambridge, and entered diplomatic service, eventually serving as a representative and advisor for Iran, Iraq, and other nations at various points in his career.
But it was as a socialite, personality, and wit that Nubar Gulbenkian made his mark on 20th century life. He was famous throughout high society for his distinctive appearance — a full beard at a time when beards were unfashionable, an orchid always in his buttonhole, and a custom Rolls-Royce fitted with a London taxi meter (so he could prove to anyone that his car was not the meter-running variety). He was one of the great characters of his era — rich, witty, generous, and impossible to ignore.
Nubar Gulbenkian's personal style was the talk of London society for decades. He always wore a fresh orchid in his buttonhole. His custom-built Rolls-Royce was fitted with a genuine London taxi meter — his way of humorously demonstrating that his car was a private vehicle, not a taxi. He was photographed and written about as one of the great eccentrics and characters of international high society in the mid-20th century.
Nubar Gulbenkian worked in his father's business interests and served as an informal diplomat and deal-broker for various governments. He was involved in oil negotiations in the Middle East and served as a formal diplomatic representative for Iran and other nations at various points. His father's vast wealth and contacts gave him access to the highest levels of world power, and he used that access skillfully.
He died on January 10, 1972, in Cannes, France. Unlike his father, who left everything to the Gulbenkian Foundation, Nubar's estate was distributed differently. He is remembered today as one of the most colorful figures in 20th century society — the son of a titan who became a legend in his own right.
The Gulbenkian family shaped both the oil industry and global philanthropy. Explore Armenian heritage.
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