Natalie Hays Hammond

Natalie Hays Hammond (January 6, 1904 – June 30, 1985) was an American artist, writer, and inventor. She worked in the fields of painting, miniatures, textile arts, and costume and set design. She worked with Martha Graham and Alice D. Laughlin to create the first woman-produced Broadway theatre production. As a 10-year-old child, she inspired her mother to start the War Children's Christmas Fund in support of European orphans in World War I. Hammond chose to work and stay active, instead of becoming a socialite, like some other rich young people. In 1926, Cecil Thomas created a bust of Hammond, which was exhibited at the Royal Academy of Arts the same year. Hammond was friends with Martha Graham and met photographer Soichi Sunami through Graham. Sunami would photograph Hammond during their friendship.

In 1931, Hammond invented and patented a form of appliqué which allowed metal to be applied to fabrics.

By 1940 she was living in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Her Gloucester home was designed by Eleanor Raymond. The home consisted of four buildings: one for Hammond, two for her friends, and one for servants and dining. Hammond set up a program, called Civic Patrol, to teach young girls emergency communication and transportation skills. The mission was to train the girls in case they had to serve in World War II.

During her lifetime, she was engaged seven times. She never married.

Ephemera collections of Hammond's are held in the Brooklyn Museum and National Portrait Gallery. In 2012, the Hammond Museum held an exhibition about Hammond titled Celebrating Natalie Hays Hammond, An Eclectic Life.