Duke of Marlborough portrait-given to Winston Churchill at one of lowest points in the war-brought back to life
Briefly

The Duke of Marlborough's portrait, presented to Winston Churchill in 1942, will debut at Chartwell after generous restoration funded by Canadian philanthropists. Once neglected, it was discovered to be over 300 years old and possibly in the duke's lifetime. Katherine Carter, Chartwell's curator, noted its significant ties to Churchill as an ancestor and hero. Despite its historical importance, it remained out of sight due to its poor condition and large size. Research revealed its journey to Churchill amidst a challenging period in his life.
This imposing portrait of the Duke of Marlborough has finally been restored and will be displayed at Chartwell, Churchill's family home, showcasing its historical significance.
Curator Katherine Carter highlighted the importance of the portrait, revealing that its historical context was underestimated, emphasizing Marlborough's connection to both the Churchill family and Churchill himself.
The portrait stayed hidden for decades, neglected in storage due to its damaged state and size, revealing a lack of awareness about its true value and condition.
A recent donation allowed for the painting's conservation, underscoring the collaborative efforts required to preserve historical artifacts and the importance of public engagement in such endeavors.
Read at The Art Newspaper - International art news and events
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