Art competition inspired by Churchill launched

Wartime prime minister Winston Churchill had a lifelong passion for painting

The National Trust has launched an art competition which was inspired by wartime prime minister Winston Churchill's passion for painting.

Amateur artists aged seven or above are invited to visit Chartwell, Churchill's Kent home, and create their own masterpiece inspired by the views that once provided him so much joy.

Churchill created more than 500 paintings, many of which captured the landscapes of Chartwell and he once described painting as a "source of solace and creativity" in his essay Painting as a Pastime.

Katherine Carter, Chartwell's property curator, said: "This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the works of amateur artists who will be following in Winston Churchill's footsteps."

Winners will have their artwork displayed at Churchill's studio in Chartwell

"Churchill himself was a keen painter who doubted his own abilities, but never tired of capturing on canvas the place he so dearly loved."

He first picked up a brush in 1915 during a difficult period in his political career, and from that moment, painting became a lifelong passion.

The studio in Chartwell houses the largest collection of Churchill's paintings.

His works range from still-life studies to landscapes painted during his travels across Europe, Africa, and North America.

The competition closes on 30 September and shortlisted candidates will have their artwork judged at Chartwell November.

Eight winners will have their work displayed in Churchill's painting studio at Chartwell throughout 2026.

Facts about Chartwell

• Churchill and his wife Clementine purchased the property in 1922 where they lived for 40 years

• According to the National Trust, Churchill had considered selling Chartwell due to his lack of income as he did not publish any works due to the Second World War

• His friends and admirers purchased the property and gave it to the Trust on the proviso the Churchills could live there for as long as they pleased