Victor Hammer

Victor J. Hammer (b. 1901 in New York City, d. July 21, 1985) was a businessman, founder and owner of Hammer Galleries in New York City, and philanthropist.

Spouse: Ireene Wicker

Children: Nancy Hammer Eilan and Armand Hammer

Parents: Julius Hammer and Rose Lipshitz Hammer

Relatives: Armand Hammer (brother)

Early life and education

Hammer was born in New York City, to Ukrainian-born Jewish immigrants Julius and Rose (Lipshitz) Hammer. His father came to the United States from Odessa in the Russian Empire (today Ukraine) in 1875, and settled in The Bronx, where he ran a general medical practice and five drugstores. Victor Hammer attended Princeton University, where he graduated in 1921 with a degree in Art History. His older brother was businessman Armand Hammer.

Career

He was business partner to his brother Armand on several business ventures, including Hammer Galleries in New York City, founded in 1928 as a way to funnel profits made in Soviet Russia out of that country. At one point, British Intelligence believed Hammer Galleries was a front for Soviet Intelligence. The Hammer brothers had been in contact with Soviet authorities for a number of reasons, such as famine relief as well as when the Soviets sought a buyer for the treasures of the Hermitage Museum as a way to earn hard currency. Victor was responsible for acquisitions for Hammer Galleries, including the so-called Romanov Treasures and Fabergé eggs. In 1937, Time Magazine described Victor and Armand as "Two of the most startling characters in the U. S. art world are the Brothers Armand and Victor Hammer, one with a medical degree, both friends of Soviet Russia."

Philanthropy

He was a prolific philanthropist. Alongside his brothers Harry and Armand, he purchased the Roosevelt estate on Campobello Island in New Brunswick and donated it to the United States and Canada as the countries' first joint park, known as Roosevelt Campobello International Park

Personal life

Hammer was married to Ireene Wicker; they had two children: Nancy Hammer Eilan; and Armand Hammer.