Brand New In The Window - Churchill In Africa By Peter Howard

 When I was taught art history years ago I was shown how artists, especially with memento mori art, would pass comment on the subjects of their portraits by leaving hidden messages, like skulls, in their paintings. And then also the complex relationship of love/hate between the artist and his patron. I need you money but I don’t want to be told what to do etc. 

I never thought I’d be in the same position. Winston Churchill is a controversial character. Personally I loved him, flawed, like all human beings, but not ashamedly, to my mind. And I love that he promoted stoicism in the people. There is a lot I don’t love about the English, like bad teeth, but there’s also so much I do love about them – that WWII stoicism being one such thing. 

I asked resident artist Peter Howard to paint me a young Churchill – who was handsome as far as I can tell – in Africa where he was a war time journalist and still a bow tie wearer. I always found that part of his life fascinating. So I wanted a stoic message for lockdown but with colour and youth from Africa. I got this portrait instead. At least he got the jumpsuit right. Peter said he didn’t really want to paint Churchill and got flack from some of his buddies. So my guess it, somewhere in there is a hidden message to the patron. I am still looking for it. 

Thanks Peter.