Restored Portrait of Duke of Marlborough Goes on Display at Churchill's Family Home

Image credits: National Trust

The portrait of the first Duke of Marlborough, a known ancestor and hero of Sir Winston Churchill, has been restored and is now on public display for the first time at Chartwell, Churchill's family home in Westerham, Kent. The painting was gifted to Churchill by Lord Saltoun on 15 February 1942, following the Fall of Singapore, which Churchill deemed "the worst disaster" in British history. The portrait has undergone a £25,000 restoration, which has revealed that it dates back to the late 17th or early 18th Centuries, making it a significant addition to the collection at Chartwell. According to Chartwell curator Katherine Carter, the addition of the Duke of Marlborough painting enriches the collection and provides visitors with a more intimate glimpse into Churchill's life and legacy.

The painting was previously in too poor condition to be displayed, but the donation of £25,000 for its analysis and restoration has made it possible for it to be shown to the public. The restoration process has revealed many details that were previously hidden, including a little group of cavalry officers in the background. The portrait is believed to be a version of a painting by the Dutch artist Adriaen van der Werff, which now hangs in the Uffizi Galleries in Florence. Churchill actually owned a print of this painting, which was precious to him and hung at the foot of his bed. The painting's history and significance are still being researched, but it is clear that it holds a special place in the history of Churchill and his family.

The display of the portrait at Chartwell is a significant event, as it marks the first time that the painting has been shown to the public. The painting is now on display on the main staircase at Chartwell, where it can be seen by visitors to the house. The National Trust, which owns Chartwell, has worked to restore the painting and make it available for public viewing. The trust's efforts have been supported by a donation from Canadian collectors and philanthropists Jeff Mooney and his wife Suzanne Bolton, who saw the painting's sad state on a private visit to the stores and decided to fund its restoration. The painting's restoration and display are a testament to the importance of preserving historical artifacts and making them available for public viewing.

The story of the portrait's gift to Churchill is also significant, as it highlights the emotional support and encouragement that sustained him during the war. Lord Saltoun's gift of the painting was a gesture of appreciation for Churchill's leadership and a symbol of hope during a difficult time. The painting's display at Chartwell serves as a reminder of the significance of Churchill's legacy and the impact that he had on British history. The painting is a valuable addition to the collection at Chartwell, and its display is a significant event for anyone interested in history, art, or the life and legacy of Winston Churchill.

Some of the key points about the portrait and its display include: * The portrait was gifted to Churchill by Lord Saltoun on 15 February 1942 * The painting underwent a £25,000 restoration before being put on display * The portrait is believed to date back to the late 17th or early 18th Centuries * The painting is a version of a work by the Dutch artist Adriaen van der Werff * The portrait is now on display on the main staircase at Chartwell, Churchill's family home in Kent * The display of the portrait marks the first time that it has been shown to the public * The painting's restoration and display were made possible by a donation from Canadian collectors and philanthropists Jeff Mooney and his wife Suzanne Bolton.