The exhibition “Winston Churchil: The Painter”, shown at The Wallace Collection in London, will run through Sunday, November 29, 2026.

Sir Winston Churchill (1874–1965) was one of the great statesmen of the twentieth century—the UK’s Prime Minister during the Second World War, and a Member of Parliament for 62 years. He was also a passionate and prolific painter. In painting, he found respite from public pressures, and a lifelong source of joy.

The first major retrospective of Sir Winston Churchill’s paintings since his death, this exhibition brings together more than 50 of his works. More than half are from private collections, rarely accessible to the public.

Encounter sombre wartime scenes and radiant Mediterranean views, carefully composed still-lifes and portraits, luminous Moroccan cityscapes, and deeply personal paintings of Chartwell, Churchill’s beloved home and garden.

During Churchill’s lifetime, some were exhibited at the Royal Academy, or given as tokens of friendship or diplomatic gifts. But most were painted purely for the pleasure and challenge of the creative process.

The audio guide is packed with curator commentary and features excerpts narrated by Sir Gary Oldman. Click here to listen to the guide in your device’s web browser or scan the QR code at the exhibition entrance. Don’t forget your headphones to make the most of your visit.

The relationship between Churchill and the Wallace Collection dates back to the Second World War. In 1942, the museum hosted the Artists Aid Russia exhibition, a fundraiser supported by his wife Clementine Churchill. Discover this extraordinary moment in the Wallace Collection’s history in the museum’s free display The Wallace Collection at War.

About the painting of the exhibition’s poster

Churchill initially sent in pictures to the Royal Academy exhibitions under the pseudonym Mr. Winter, but in 1948 his achievement as an amateur painter was recognised by the award of the unique title of Honorary Academician Extraordinary. Cap d’Ail, Alpes Martimes was given to the Royal Academy by Churchill as his Diploma Work. Every elected Academician gives one work to the Royal Academy and these were called Diploma Works in reference to the Diploma signed by the reigning monarch which is given to each Academician confirming their status as Academician.

This landscape was painted in September 1952 from Lord Beaverbrook’s villa, La Capponcina, which Churchill found a perfect haven for his oil painting.