![]() Chartwell was transformed into a much-loved family home where he lived until his death in 1965.įrequently driven indoors by the inclement British weather, Winston drew inspiration from the abundance of flowers surrounding the house - nasturtiums, tulips, daffodils and, in the present work, roses - which were cleverly united with interesting objects. Acquiring the plot in 1922, he entirely remodelled the house and grounds, designing much of the gardens and water features himself and was often outdoors, wearing one of his famous boiler suits, tending to the garden, laying the network of brick-walls that traverse the property and seated painting in front of his easel. Winston first visited Chartwell in 1921 and was mesmerized by its glorious setting overlooking the Weald of Kent. In contrast to the larger scale landscape subjects that make up the great majority of his oeuvre, Churchill’s still lifes are undoubtedly more intimate and focus on the beautiful flowers he had lovingly planted surrounding the house. Study of Roses belongs to an important body of work painted at Chartwell during the 1930s. Vivien was delighted and inspired to be shown around Sir Winston Churchill’s magnificent gardens that he had created at Chartwell and even more so to see his studio and the myriad of paintings hanging one on top of the other. Vivien Leigh, 1960, quoted in Winston Churchill, The Valiant Years, Episode 26, directed by Anthony Bushell and John Schlesinger, ABC Productions, 1960. However, two weeks later, a marvellous package arrived, and there it was with a letter, which of course I shall keep all my life, saying, “I couldn’t wait until Christmas.”’ So he said he would send it to me for Christmas. I believe I gave him the understanding that I would be more thrilled and honoured than I can possibly say if I could have it. But as I was passing one particular one of them, I said, “Oh, Sir, that is beautiful.” And to my absolute bewilderment he said, “Would you like it?” So, actually I practically fainted, I didn’t know what to say. I was astonished and fascinated by the number and variety of them. And in each one the walls were simply covered in his own paintings. I’d been lunching with him at Chartwell, and after lunch – I remember it was a lovely, sunny day – we were walking around the garden and we came to a garden house with, I suppose, four or five rooms in it. ‘I’ve always loved pictures, and I think one of the most wonderful, marvellous experiences of my whole life was when Sir Winston allowed me to see his. Vivien Leigh, letter to Sir Winston Churchill, 14th February 1961, The Churchill Archives Centre, Churchill College, Cambridge, CHUR 2/527A. It is in my bedroom dear Sir Winston and I look at it every day as I wake and every night as I go to sleep.' 'I should like to show you where the painting you gave me hangs. Vivien Leigh, letter to Sir Winston Churchill, 21st September 1951, The Churchill Archives Centre, Churchill College, Cambridge, CHUR 2/174. I wish I could tell you how truly thrilled I am to have it and how wonderfully kind I think it is of you to have had it so beautifully framed.' ![]() 'The arrival of your lovely picture was the greatest excitement. We are grateful to David Coombs for his kind assistance with the cataloguing of the present work. Together with a signed photograph of Winston Churchill in his studio at Chartwell, dated 1955, with the present work in the background. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE." Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. ![]() Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. "In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Subject to the above, the work appears to be in excellent overall condition.Ultraviolet light reveals a possible spot of old retouching to the light green pigment to the left of the vase.The work is presented in an ornate moulded gilt frame.Please telephone the department on +44 (0) 2 if you have any questions regarding the present work. The canvasboard is sound.There is some light surface dirt to the work in places, and the varnish may have discoloured slightly.
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