Blenheim Palace unveils new sculpture to commemorate 150th anniversary of Sir Winston Churchill’s birth

Marking the 150th anniversary of the birth (30th November) of Sir Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace is proud to unveil a unique bronze statue created by acclaimed sculptor Paul Rafferty. The tribute honours the former Prime Minister’s deep connection to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, his birthplace and also the location of his engagement to Clementine Hozier.

The life-size bronze sculpture titled Winston Churchill Painting will be on display at Blenheim Palace from Monday 28th October and will be a permanent feature in the gardens located on the South Lawn facing the Palace.

The sculpture was crafted using the ancient lost wax process, a traditional and complex method that allowed Rafferty to create a detailed piece that captures the spirit of Churchill’s love for painting. The sculpture features a canvas of Churchill’s painting of Blenheim Palace Through the Branches of a Cedar, which was recreated in bas relief in clay. The position of this work of art will be located where Churchill himself would have set his easel up to paint.

Paul Rafferty, the sculptor, said, “I wanted to honour Sir Winston’s passion for the arts. By recreating his iconic painting in bas relief on the canvas, and surrounding him with the tools he cherished like the bespoke tin canisters that held his paint brushes, his favourite Pol Roger Champagne, his Stetson, cigar, and easel – I aimed to capture a vivid moment of his life at Blenheim, a place he loved deeply.”

Also featured in the sculpture are the personal details that further highlight Churchill’s life as a painter. His paint brushes are carefully sculpted in their custom tin holders. Nearby sits a bottle of Pol Roger Champagne, a drink Sir Winston Churchill often enjoyed while painting, a nod to the artist’s life of both creation and contemplation. Churchill’s Stetson, cigar, and zippered Oxford shoes complete the statue

Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill, commented,”This extraordinary sculpture is a fitting tribute to Winston Churchill’s artistic talents, as well as his love for Blenheim Palace. We are delighted to welcome this unique piece and to commemorate 150 years since his birth.”

This unveiling is part of ongoing celebrations at Blenheim Palace, which have included an exciting line-up of exhibitions, lectures, and special events honouring Sir Winston Churchill’s legacy and his extraordinary life.

For more information about Blenheim Palace visit, www.blenheimpalace.com

ENDS

About Blenheim Palace

Home to the Dukes of Marlborough since 1705, Blenheim Palace was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Set in over 2,000 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped park and gardens, it was designed by Vanbrugh in the Baroque style and is also the birthplace of one of Britain’s most famous leaders, Sir Winston Churchill.

With over 300 years of history to share and one of the most important and extensive collections in Europe, the magnificent stately home has a rich variety of cultural highlights and an extensive programme of special events and exhibitions.

The total Estate expands into a further 10,000 acres outside of the designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and focuses on care for the land through sustainable means, pursuing net zero, the growth of the local economy, the provision of affordable homes, apprenticeship training and supported community groups as part of its ambition to make this part of Oxfordshire a fairer and better place.