Sir Winston Churchill: His Life and His Paintings [Hardcover]

David Coombs (Author), Minnie S. Churchill (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 20, 2005

Sir Winston Churchill began painting during World War II, and it became his lifelong passion. His works, which number over 500, are of remarkable quality and have received the most positive criticism in the English press. "Had he signed his pictures 'Jones,' the critic would still find himself pausing in front of them," noted one Sunday Times of London art critic in 1949. Another opined that "At least a dozen of these pictures will stand against any of the best impressionists." This exclusive, comprehensive collection of the paintings of one of the greatest statesmen in history is licensed by the Churchill Heritage, which will provide marketing support. Written by the renowned art critic who catalogued all of Churchill's paintings shortly after his death, along with Sir Winston's granddaughter-in-law, this sumptuous art book collects all of the images painted by Churchill, primarily in oil on canvas, and in essence provides a look at his life story through his paintings. It also includes authoritative text by the authors, Sir Winston's complete 1925 essay "Painting as a Pastime," and 40 rare, previously unpublished photographs of Churchill and his world, in both color and black and white.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

David Coombs is the world-renowned art critic and writer who catalogued all of Churchill's paintings shortly after the statesman's death in 1965. He is a columnist for the UK's authorative weekly trade paper, Antiques Gazette. He lives in Surrey, United Kingdom. Minnie Churchill is Winston Churchill's granddaughter-in-law and is the current chairman of the Churchill Heritage.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Running Press (September 20, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0762427310
• ISBN-13: 978-0762427314
• Product Dimensions: 12.1 x 8.9 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #857,062 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding!!, February 7, 2004

By 

Todd Milligan (Oakville, Ont., Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sir Winston Churchill (Chaucer Library of Art S.) (Hardcover)

While Mr. Coombs was the first to catalogue WSC's paintings with "Churchill, his Paintings" in 1965, it seems only fitting that he should many years later release a thoroughly new and much improved companion - in full color!! His collaboration with Minnie Churchill, who oversees the painting reproduction rights by way of the Churchill Heritage, bring to light many paintings that didn't make the first book. The book took 6 years of in-depth research to track and re-photograph the many "daubs" that Mr. Churchill claimed privately to be his greatest love - next to Clemmie. What completes the book is the extensive painting catalogue that details the particulars of each work - including sale prices. One of the best books purchases I ever made.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sir Winston Churchill-His Life and Paintings by Coombs et., November 25, 2005

By 

Joseph S. Maresca "Dr. Joseph S. Maresca CPA,... (Bronxville, New York USA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sir Winston Churchill (Chaucer Library of Art S.) (Hardcover)

Most people think of Sir Winston Churchill as a Prime Minister,
author and Parliamentarian. I never knew that he had considerable artistic skills and a portfolio of valuable work.
His art portfolio includes the following titles:
- the Hoe Farm
- the Lawrence Farm
- Portrait of Lady Gwendeline Churchill
- Sketch of Captain Jack Scott
- Sketch of Sir Archibald Sinclair
- the Mimizem Landes Forest
- the Sunset Over the Sea
- Mountains and Sea at Sunset
- A View of Jerusalem
- A Distant View of Pyramids Near Cairo, Egypt

Many of these creations are in full color. They are drawn to
a considerable technical excellence. The coloring is splendid.
Shadowing is realistic. The human figures are drawn to scale.
The size and proportionality of the scene layouts synchronize
with creations by a number of famous artists. Overall,
Sir Winston Churchill was an outstanding artist for his time
and perhaps for all time. This acquisition would be invaluable
for a wide constituency of people in academe.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect gift for a follower of the great Sir Winston Churchill, May 31, 2009

By 

Carol Redden (Memphis, TN USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sir Winston Churchill: His Life and His Paintings (Hardcover)

This was a birthday gift for my WWII veteran husband. He has enjoyed both the text and art. Anyone who is interested in both the man and his art would find this book satisfying.