Sir Winston Churchill painting on show in UK first

A painting by wartime Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill and his paint-splattered coat are set to go on display for the first time in the UK at his former family home.

Quiet Waters will be at the heart of an exhibition of his paintings and art materials opening on Saturday at Chartwell in Kent.

Churchill gifted the painting to his friend Lord Beaverbrook for his 80th birthday in 1959 and it is currently on loan from the Beaverbrook Canadian Foundation.

Katherine Carter, property curator at Chartwell, said: "Churchill once said 'the muse of painting came to my rescue'. It was his way of getting away from the stresses and strains of public and political life."

Among the exhibits will be his steel-framed glasses and white cotton coat, which he wore while creating more than 500 works of art.

Churchill's painting overcoats were typically made by his tailors on Saville Row and the only self-portrait he ever produced showed him wearing his white overall.

Ms Carter added: "In a world of constant notifications and pressured lives, Churchill's relationship with painting feels surprisingly modern.

"This display reminds us he was not just a historical figure, but someone who turned to art, as so many people do today, to recharge, reflect and stay resilient."

Other items on display for the first time include a print of a painting by Sir Alfred Munnings, known for his equestrian art and later president of the Royal Academy.

Sir Alfred encouraged Sir Winston to exhibit his own paintings at the Royal Academy, helping him become the only amateur artist to receive the honour of Honorary Academician Extraordinary.

The exhibition at Chartwell will run until November.

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