Restored portrait of Churchill’s ancestor and hero – gifted to lift his wartime spirits – on public display for the first time

Research has shown that the painting was offered to Churchill on 15 February 1942, a date notable for the Fall of Singapore, which he deemed “the worst disaster and largest capitulation in British History.”

Lord Saltoun was moved to gift the painting by a ‘deep personal debt to the P.M.’, intending it as a heartfelt gesture to lift Churchill's spirits during this particularly challenging period of the Second World War. It also served as a reminder of Churchill's own resilience and leadership, drawing parallels to an ancestor with whom he had a great affinity.

Winston Churchill’s family connection to the Duke of Marlborough was widely known and was cemented further after the publication of his four-volume history of the Duke of Marlborough, written largely at Chartwell during his ‘wilderness years’ in the 1930s. This was later cited among the works for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.

Churchill thanked Lord Saltoun, writing: “It is exceedingly kind of you to offer me the portrait of the first Duke of Marlborough....I am greatly complimented by this kind thought and accept your offer with gratitude. I shall always value the picture not only in itself but also for the feelings so gracefully expressed in your letter to my Private Secretary, which prompted the gift.”

In reply, Lord Saltoun wrote: “I was sure that your sensitive ear and taste must have suffered and suffer even more and more often than my own, I ventured to offer it (the painting): and as I said before, I hope it may bring you good fortune.”

Initially thought to be a 19th-century copy of an early-18th-century painting, the artist was unknown and referenced simply as 'British School' in historic inventories. Its poor condition, including severe flaking paint, made it difficult to clean without risking further paint loss, preventing it from being displayed. Now, a generous donation of £25,000 has allowed for restoration and technical analysis, revealing that the painting is much older than previously thought, dating back to the late 17th or early 18th century.

The Chartwell portrait has been confirmed as a version of a 1705 portrait in the Uffizi Collection in Florence, which was given to Cosimo III de Medici. The Uffizi picture was engraved in the early 18th century by Pieter van Gunst and a version of this hangs in Churchill’s bedroom, beyond the foot of his bed.

Visitors to Chartwell can now see the Marlborough portrait in the very setting where Churchill found solace and inspiration, gaining a deeper understanding of the personal struggles and triumphs of one of Britain's most iconic leaders.

Katherine Carter, Chartwell Curator, said: "We are honoured to present this remarkable painting at Chartwell thanks to our generous donors, Jefferson Mooney C.M, and Suzanne Bolton.

"The addition of the Duke of Marlborough painting enriches the collection and provides visitors with a more intimate glimpse into Churchill's life and legacy. It demonstrates the value of the research and restoration work that we do here at The National Trust to uncover the stories behind our historical artifacts but also underscores the emotional support and encouragement that sustained Churchill during the war."

The painting will be on display from 1 March.