December 11, 2017

Chartwell, Sir Winston Churchill’s home in Kent, has opened a new exhibition Clementine Churchill: Speaking for Herself, focusing on the extraordinary life of Churchill’s beloved wife Clementine. The exhibition at the National Trust property features items that have never been publicly displayed before, including treasured childhood photographs and a portrait by Paul Maze, the Post Impressionist artist.

Clementine was Winston’s devoted wife for more than fifty-six years and mother to the couple’s five children. The exhibition is poignant as it opens in the approach to the fortieth anniversary of her death. Displays will feature over sixty objects, including personal mementoes such as her photos and private letters, along with several gifts that she received from family, friends, and political contacts. The exhibition also paints a picture of Clementine and Winston’s enduring relationship. Visitors can read a heartfelt letter from Clementine to Winston the morning after their engagement, and see her beautiful ruby engagement ring.

Katherine Carter, National Trust curator at Chartwell says, “We’re very excited to be able to bring Clementine’s story to the fore this winter. She was a truly remarkable woman, who has all too often been overlooked in the history of the twentieth century.” Katherine continues, “It’s been wonderful to look in detail at her treasured possessions and objects that represent her extraordinary life. We’re especially excited to be bringing some objects out on display for the first time.”

Clementine Churchill: Speaking for Herself is open daily from 18 November to 18 February 2018, 11am–3pm (closed 24 & 25 December). Please note the house is closed for winter. National Trust members receive free entry. Adult entry to gardens, studio & exhibition £7.50. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell or telephone 01732 868381.