Winston Churchill: The Painter

A detailed study of Sir Winston Churchill’s paintings, presenting a fascinating backdrop to the complex and poignant times he lived in.

Universally renowned as an inspirational statesman, writer and orator who led Britain to victory in World War II, Winston Churchill (1874–1965) is less often remembered as an enthusiastic amateur painter. Despite starting late at the age of forty, painting became a passion that would endure for the rest of his life.

Published to coincide with the Wallace Collection’s exhibition of the same name, Winston Churchill: The Painter explores Churchill’s activity as an artist from his first attempts during World War I through to the 1960s, shortly before his death. A careful selection of over fifty paintings from museums, institutions and private collections presents a fascinating backdrop to his times, politics, diplomacy and interests.

With essays by Allen Packwood, Katherine Carter, Barry Phipps, Paul Rafferty, Andrew Roberts and Alison Smith, the book also includes a small group of works by Churchill’s artistic mentors and friends, such as Sir John Lavery (1856–1941) and Sir William Nicholson (1872–1949), which help explore his artistic development.

Churchill’s paintings are ultimately representations of places he loved to visit and depict, but they are just as much autobiographical and provide an insight not often appreciated by the public into his private life. Winston Churchill: The Painter invites readers to reconsider Churchill through the lens of his art.