View of Chartwell by Sir Winston Churchill (© Churchill Heritage Ltd)
Winston Churchill, renowned for his leadership during World War II, harbored a deep and enduring passion for painting, which provided him with a vital escape from stresses and frustrations for almost half a century. He began painting in 1915, at the age of 40, and over the course of his life painted more than 500 canvases, comprising landscapes, seascapes, still lifes, and portraits. The largest collection of his works is displayed at his former home at Chartwell in Kent.
Katherine Carter, curator of Chartwell's collections for more than a decade and author of Churchill's Citadel, brings the subject of Churchill's painting to life. Considering them as a remarkable primary source Carter argues that, in the absence of Churchill having kept a written diary, his catalogue of works are a visual one, depicting the places he visited and the people he met, all using the brightest colors his oil paints could create. Churchill once said that "the muse of painting came to my rescue" and later described the pastime as "a joyride in a paintbox."
Churchill acknowledged the vital role painting played in his life and Carter’s presentation, illustrated with examples of Churchill’s works, shines a spotlight on this important yet often-overlooked aspect of Winston Churchill's life and legacy.
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