Winston Churchill’s final painting to auction

Winston Churchill’s final painting, depicting the goldfish pool at Chartwell (his home in Kent) is up for auction in November.

Churchill painted the work in 1962, three years before he died. As he grew more advanced in age, painting became increasingly difficult and ultimately impossible.

Churchill goldfish last

Churchill's final painting is uncharacteristically abstract

It’s fitting that his final work would be of his goldfish pond, where he spent many happy hours.

While Churchill was extremely vocal in his dislike of modern art, this piece is uncharacteristically abstract in its capturing of the diffracted movement of the fish and the reflections of the surrounding foliage on the water.

He gifted the work to his bodyguard, Sergeant Edmund Murray. It has passed down in Murray’s family ever since.

This is the first time it’s ever been offered on the market. It’s estimated to sell for £50,000-80,000 ($65,850-105,360).

We argue that estimate is on the low side. Churchill paintings have been selling well above their valuations in recent years, with a still life gifted to the actress Vivien Leigh achieving £638,750 ($862,824) at Sotheby’s last month.

In 2014, another of his studies of the goldfish pond sold for a Churchill record £1.8m ($2.3m).

The fact this is his final painting is almost certain to drive up the value.

You can own your own Churchill memorabilia. Click here to find out more.

Please sign up to our free newsletter to receive exciting news about art and photography auctions.

Register to receive more in-depth articles from our dedicated team.

Register Here

Featured products

Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Sale price£399
In stock
Fidel Castro signed certificateFidel Castro Signed Certificate
Fidel Castro signed certificate
Sale price£2,995
In stock
King Henry VIII Autographed DocumentKing Henry VIII Autographed Document
King Henry VIII Autographed Document
Sale price£55,000
In stock