Churchill: The Statesman as Artist

Winston Churchill produced over 500 paintings across 50 years, including family homes, coastal scenes, and self-portraits. David Cannadine's book Churchill: The Statesman as Artist explores his life in art, combining writings, speeches, and critical accounts by contemporaries. The book is lavishly illustrated with reproductions of many of his paintings.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 06 September 2018
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Winston Churchill, a renowned painter, created over 500 artworks during his illustrious career spanning nearly 50 years. His artistic endeavors encompassed a wide range of subjects, including his family homes at Blenheim and Chartwell, evocative coastal scenes on the French Riviera, and vibrant portrayals of Marrakesh in Morocco. Additionally, he delved into still life pictures and painted an extraordinarily revealing self-portrait during a challenging period in his life.

Throughout his life, Churchill found solace and relaxation in painting, considering it his primary means of escape from the demands of public life. In his introduction to Churchill: The Statesman as Artist, David Cannadine offers a comprehensive account of Churchill's artistic journey, highlighting its significance beyond a mere private hobby. From 1945 onwards, Churchill's art became an integral part of his public fame.

The first part of the book brings together a collection of Churchill's writings and speeches on art, encompassing his renowned essay "Painting as a Pastime" and his addresses to the Royal Academy. It also includes his reviews of two summer exhibitions held by the Academy, as well as an important speech he delivered in 1937 about art and freedom.

The second part of the book presents previously unpublished critical accounts of Churchill's work by some of his contemporaries. Augustus Johns, a renowned artist himself, provides an introduction to the Royal Academy exhibition of Churchill's paintings in 1959, offering insights into his artistic development. Sir John Rothenstein, Professor Thomas Bodkin, and the art critic Eric Newton contribute essays and reviews, shedding light on Churchill's artistic achievements and impact.

The book is lavishly illustrated with reproductions of many of Churchill's paintings, showcasing his diverse styles and artistic expressions. Some of these paintings are presented for the first time, providing a fresh perspective on the artist's oeuvre.

Through this comprehensive exploration, Churchill the artist emerges more fully revealed than ever before. The book offers a deep appreciation of his artistic contributions, showcasing his talent and versatility as a painter. It serves as a testament to his enduring legacy and the profound impact he had on the world of art.

Weight: 484g
Dimension: 161 x 241 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472945211