Important Very Early Churchill Painting at Bonhams Modern British and Irish Art Sale in London

Modern British and Irish Art

22 Nov 2022

London, New Bond Street

Sir Winston Spencer Churchill O.M., HON. R.A.

(British, 1874-1965)

Branksome Dene 50 x 60 cm. (19 11/16 x 23 5/8 in.)

In May 1915, Winston Churchill’s fortunes were at a low ebb. Widely held responsible for the failures of the military actions at Gallipoli and the Dardanelles during World War One, he had been dismissed from his role as First Lord of the Admiralty. Plagued with deep depression – a recurring condition that he nicknamed ’black dog’ – he turned to painting as a form of therapy. He was to paint – in good times and in bad – for the rest of his life. Branksome Dene, an important very early work which Churchill painted in 1916 while staying with his close friend the financier Sir Ernest Cassel on the south coast of England, features in Bonhams Modern British and Irish Art Sale on Tuesday 22 November 2022. It is estimated at £150,000-200,000.

Christopher Dawson, Bonhams Head of Modern British and Irish Art, said: “Winston Churchill’s paintings have a wide and growing appeal as witnessed by last year’s world auction record-setting sale at Christie’s of Tower of Koutoubia Mosque from the collection of Angelia Jolie for $11.5 million. They are particularly popular with British and American collectors, prized not only for their aesthetic qualities but also the connection they offer to one of the great figures of 20th century history. Branksome Dene is a rare opportunity to acquire a truly important early work that combines Churchill’s passion for painting and the sea, drawing together his personal and political life.”

The sale consists of 79 lots.