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

This richly illustrated book accompanies a major retrospective at the Wallace Collection, Winston Churchill: The Painter.

Universally renowned as an inspirational statesman, writer, orator and the man who led Britain to victory in the Second World War, what may be less well known about Winston Churchill (1874–1965), was that he was also 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.

A careful selection of over fifty paintings from museums, institutions and private collections presents a fascinating backdrop to his times, politics, diplomacy and interests. The book follows a chronological approach and spans Churchill's activity as an artist from his first attempts during the First World War through to the 1960s, shortly before his death. His own paintings are complemented by a small group of works by his 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 own 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. It is an unprecedented opportunity to reconsider Churchill through his paintings.