Tough times need strong leaders and two reminders of Churchillian strength are expected to spark strong bidding at auction.
Unearthed by Hansons Auctioneers, they’re both related to Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965) who was Britain’s prime minister twice. He took charge from 1940-45, leading the country to victory in the Second World War, and again from 1951-55.
He was renowned for his bulldog spirit, admirably captured in a wartime photographic portrait by Walter Stoneman, which is signed by Churchill in bold black ink. It’s Lot 47 in our online-only May 21-22 and 25-26 Fine Art & Library Auction, estimate £500-800.
The same sale offers the opportunity to buy another Churchill signature. He signed a visitors’ book for Ye Olde King’s Head Pub in Chigwell, Essex, a place immortalised in Charles Dickens’s Barnaby Rudge as the Maypole Inn. It was signed by Churchill and his wife Clementine on May 26, 1952, with their address given as 10 Downing Street.
Other entries/signatures, dating from 1952 to 1970, include Stirling Moss (20 William IV Street, London), dated 29 June 1954; Olave Baden Powell (Hampton Court Palace); Frankie Vaughan; Joe Brown; Jimmy Greaves; Hughie Green; Arthur Mullard and others. Its estimate is £600-800.
Jim Spencer, head of Hansons’ Library Department, said: “I know our current Prime Minister Boris Johnson is a huge admirer of Churchill. Lots relating to him generally spark strong interest.
“Bearing in mind these difficult times, it’s good to be reminded of a leader who inspired the British people through some of the country’s darkest days – and to remember that there was light at the end of the tunnel.”
To view the auction catalogue or bid, visit www.hansonslive.co.uk or www.the-saleroom.com. To arrange a virtual valuation, email: [email protected]
