~ INTERNATIONAL FINE ART INVESTIGATIONS INTO THE AUTHENTICITY OF PAINTINGS ~ ARTIST ATTRIBUTION INVESTIGATION SERVICES ~

~ FAKE ART & FORGERY DETECTION ~

PROVENANCE VERIFICATION AND CONFIRMATION ~ SPECIALIST ACADEMIC FINE ART RESEARCHERS

ART FRAUD INVESTIGATORS ~  DUE DILIGENCE SCRUTINY ~ PRE PURCHASE ACQUISITION RISK ASSESSMENT ~ FINE ART APPRAISERS & VALUERS

Investigation of the Authenticity of Paintings and Drawings believed to be by or Attributed to;

Winston Spencer Churchill

K.G., O.M., F.R.S., HON. R.A.

(1874-1965)

British Statesman, Politician, Painter and Writer.

  As surprising as it may seem, today, fakes abound of Churchill's paintings and we have investigated dozens and dozens of such works each year. paintings that clients are either considering purchasing, (particularly online at auction) or that they have purchased already and have in their collections and which they are rightly concerned about.

 Known as the greatest British statesman of the 20th century, Sir Winston Spencer Churchill took up painting quite late in life at the age of 40.  This was at a time when he both sought and found tranquillity in this new found hobby of painting, providing him with a well needed sanctuary from the harsh world of conflict, politics and diplomacy that he was enmeshed in.

 Churchill's paintings, including in ther main his oil landscapes, also features interiors, still life and portraits, but landscapes were his preferred choice of subject. He was totally dissatisfied with watercolour and its thin transparency and so he much preferred the thick impasto and depth of colour that oil paint provided which he could not achieve with aquarells.

 Truly inspired by the French Impressionists, Winston Churchill enjoyed painting just as they did, en plein air, literally at an easel out in the open.

But what is less known is that Churchill also learned by copying examples of works by other great artists he admired, with both Charles-François Daubigny (1817 – 1878 French) and John Singer Sargent (1856 – 1925) the most noted sources of his own copies and a true inspiration to him.
It'spurportedly correct in saying that an excellent copy of a seascape by Monet does exist amongst the total of 544 oil canvases that Winston Churchill created and documented himself.

 Fortunately, but not surprisingly, at the start of his new found hobby, Churchill had a circle of influential friends that surrounded him. Such as the noble artists Sir John Lavery and Sir Oswald Birley, who was the Royal portraitist. But there was also Paul Maze, Sir William Nicholson and Walter Sickert who were close to him and it was through them that Churchill developed his painting skills and techniques under the mentoring of some of the great pioneers of British art.

 Some of the very first paintings Winston Churchill created were made of Hoe Farm in Hascombe near Godalming, Surrey. A country home that he rented with his brother Jack in the summer of 1915 and where his first cautious but serious attempts at painting began.

 Apart from four works that he sold for £30.00 each that he exhibited at the Paris salon in the 1920's, all submitted under the assumed name of Charles Morin (a name made to disguise his true identity in order to discourage any selection favour for the exhibition) Having previously never sold a work during his lifetime, the vast majority of his paintings were given away by Winston Churchill himself to his friends. But he also gifted them to colleagues, foreign dignitaries, family members or employees.
One of these was Sergeant Edmund Murray, Churchills' bodyguard from 1950 to 1965, who was also an artist and a man accompanying him on many painting trips both in the UK and abroad. One of Murray's jobs was to carry the equipment and take the photographs that Churchill needed for his future reference later when back indoors painting in his studio.

 Winston Churchill eagerly took up a suggestion by Sir William Orpen, an Irish artist working in London, that he should visit Avignon in France, to experience the wonderful light that artists such as Cezanne has witnessed. Inspired by the landscapes of his future travels to Egypt, Italy, Morocco and the south of France, all feature prominently in his extensive oeuvres.

  Churchill rarely, if ever signed his paintings, usually adding only his initials, but when he was about to give a painting away and that may have been years after it had been originally painted. Often his “daubs,” as he called them, were , “signed” so to speak, but actually by his frame maker, a man called Frank Patrickson, who added the famous WSC’s initials using a brass template for consistency.

 Most of Churchill’s canvases were supplied by artists colour men, one being Charles Roberson & Co Ltd of London, although he occasionally used Blanchet / of -38-/ Rue Bonaparte / Paris; Both were stamped with the firm’s name and logo.

 A dramatic record price of £1,762,500.00 was reached for a 1932 oil on- canvas, the Goldfish Pool At Chartwell, clearly showing the influence of Monet in Churchill's art and an astonishing amount for a so called amateur artist.

 Often really very poorly faked indeed, the attempts of Churchill imitations, each undoubtedly created due to the vastly increasing values of his works of art in recent years, do quite often appear as paintings claiming to be Churchill's own. These are either deliberately faked or much more usually simply misrepresented and then misattributed to his hand. These can be mistakenly, or more commonly, deliberately made, particularly we have noticed, many offered for sale on well known and poorly policed internet platforms.

 It might be true that there could be works of his that were either lost, mislaid, or have been with families for aeons and that have never surfaced to date, yet to be authenticated and documented, but, it must be said, many of the the Winston Spencer Churchill works that do appear on the open market, particulalrly at auction, will need thoroughly investigating to be certain of their legitimacy and they are very cunningly faked indeed, with all manner of clues that simply do not appear as common denominators in his art. And these mistakes by the fakers are features that give the game away every time.

 Falsified works, usually faked by the inclusion of a copied signature or that simple monogram that's placed on a work of art of a similar early type, style, or subject matter to Churchill's paintings, are far, far too commonplace. 
They are signatures applied to a previously unsigned or lesser works, such as an art school painting, even amateur hobbyist works, whereby an original signature has been removed, or even didn't exist in the first place and an apocrophal or should we say, fake one applied.

 
It is no wonder that today , huge question marks can and do arise about the authenticity of some alleged Churchill paintings.

And that is how we can help you;

 In 2023 alone we investigated 18  claimed to be Churchill works and two more have appeared at the start of this year, so need we say more!

 Freemanart are British academic fine art consultants, who specialise in conducting fully international investigations into the authenticity of works of art created by artists in all categories, all regions and from historical eras, alongside scrutinizing their provenance.

 Confidentially serving both private individuals and corporate clients from around the world for well over 46 years, we can assist and advise you in all fine art related matters, particularly issues of authenticity, legitimacy and the attribution of old and modern master works of art. Including the paintings and works of Winston Churchill, his circle, or any paintings or works of art that you are unsure about.

 Various examples of legitimate Winston Churchill works and those connected with that name by monogram etc, appear below.

 No inference or question is made as to their authenticity, moreover they are a representational view of the types of works that are or have been offered for sale at auction internationally that need to be understood and sometimes qualified....

Sir Winston Churchill, K.G., O.M., F.R.S., HON. R.A. CHARTWELL LANDSCAPE WITH SHEEP signed with initials oil on canvas

£1,000,000 US $2,033,790.00

Sir Winston Churchill, O.M., R.A. Scene on the River Meuse at Dinant oil on canvas

Est £600,000 - £1,000,000 Not Sold

Original Oil Painting on Board Bearing

Signature Winston Churchill (WSC Initials)

lower left.

Stamped on Verson Galerie Mathias Fels, Paris

Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000

Estimate: $5,000 - $7,000

Winston Churchill Authentication Investigations

  As both the duration and direction of any attribution or investigation of authenticity will always vary from project to project, but there are clear and well defined professional formalities, responsibilities and areas of scrutiny that we can assist you with, including:

• Authentication: Authentification: Conducting and directing comprehensive investigations and in depth research, with a view to establishing a correct, complete and formally recognized certification of a work of art. One that is absolutely upheld by the appropriate, legally acknowledged and internationally sanctioned authority, body or expert on that artist. Directing detailed and complicated enquiries with multilingual, international academic research and any forensic applications that are required.
  

•  Attribution:  Identifying and confirming the identity of a previously anonymous artist, studio or workshop from which a work of art most likely originated. Including the re-examination and investigation of a previous attribution which may be incorrect, or the scrutiny of an attribution that has been formally questioned or doubted.
  

•  Confirmation:  Undertaking research and investigations into the legitimacy of the provenance, history and prior ownership of a work of art and establishing its own accuracy.
  

•  Scrutiny: Examen minutieux: Identifying fake works of art and forgeries, including any false supportive accompanying documentation and determining works of art which may be studio or later copies, or previous incorrect attributions.
  
  

•  Prosecution: Poursuite: Investigating alleged art fraud and forgery and assisting and advising those who are, or may be considering litigating or prosecuting the fact. This includes legal professionals, corporate and private clients.
  
  

•  Attention:  Conducting all fine art related due diligence and duty of care enquiries. Including safe pre-purchase or sale related audits and assisting clients in consolidating a well balanced future family distribution.
  
  

•  Appraisal: Évaluation - Valuations, quality and condition reports.

Step one in the art authentication and attribution process.

Winston Spencer Churchill

The Pre-Authentication Assessment DIRECT LINK .

 If you are seriously considering having a painting or work of art authenticated that you believe may be by Winston Churchill, we strongly advise all prospective clients, that before moving on into a full investigation of legitimacy, or seeking a confirmation of an attribution to his hand, that a fully impartial, preliminary assessment of the viability of doing so is conducted by us first.
This is much the same as a lawyer would assess and balance the prospects of the success of a legal case for you, but well before presenting it in a court of law.
This important first step in the process, is a comprehensive study and one made to address all of the positive aspects that would justify continuing with an investigation and setting them against any obvious issues or observations there may be. Ones that could impede, or make any future investigation either unwise or totally impractical to undertake.

This is a professional advisory service and one that we offer to all our clients.

  A preliminary assessment of viability can be undertaken very effectively, based on the best quality images that you supply and the full details of work of art in question. Along with the specific details of its acquisition which is very important. We will also address the particulars of its provenance as is known to you, alongside scrutinising any documentation, previous research or analysis that you may have had formerly conducted.

 Having chosen to take this sensible, tried and tested route, you should then have a far clearer understanding of the prospects of success in your case, as well as recognising any pitfalls that you may face right up front.  Simply put, view it as a safety net before you move on.

 This is a totally logical and cost effective professional assessment for which there is a modest set fee.

*Please see our FAQ section by clicking the link below which explains this process in far greater detail.

OR

CONTACT US

CONTACTEZ NOUS

We will respond to you promptly.

  Avant d'entreprendre une enquête sur l'authenticité d'une œuvre d'art ou l'attribution d'un artiste, il est plus que prudent de procéder à une évaluation impartiale de sa faisabilité. Ceci est fait pour équilibrer indépendamment tous les problèmes négatifs qui peuvent exister contre le positif.

Nous serons heureux d'entreprendre cette étude d'une manière professionnelle pour vous que nous considérons comme votre principal filet de sécurité.
Il sera basé sur les images que vous fournissez et tous les faits connus concernant votre acquisition, son passé et la provenance de l'œuvre telle que vous la connaissez.
Vous aurez alors une meilleure compréhension des perspectives et des difficultés éventuelles à venir, avant de prendre une décision.

  Antes de embarcarse en cualquier investigación de autenticidad artística o atribución de artista, es más que prudente realizar primero una evaluación imparcial de su viabilidad. Esto se hace para equilibrar independientemente cualquier problema negativo que pueda haber contra el positivo.

Nos complace emprender profesionalmente ese estudio para usted, que consideramos su red de seguridad. Se basará en las imágenes que usted suministre y todos los hechos conocidos con respecto a su adquisición, historia pasada y procedencia del trabajo tal como lo conoce.

Entonces tendrá una mejor comprensión.

AUTHENTICATING THE ART OF

WINSTON CHURCHILL

ABOUT PAINTING DESCRIPTORS AND TERMINOLOGY

Sir Winston Spencer Churchill

  It is important to understand the auction terms used in any published descriptor and to be cautious of works that may just be painted in the style or manner of the artist, or even the stylized - would be copies of his works which happen to bear a signature or monogram. In this case the paintings and drawings of Sir Winston Spencer Churchill.

 Where the name, Winston Spencer Churchill or Winston Spencer Churchill is given with the first name/s and surname of the artist, usually Winston Spencer Churchill, then in their professional opinion it is the genuine and authentic item, one painted by the artist himself, Winston Spencer Churchill.

 When Attributed to Winston Spencer Churchill is used, then in their opinion it is 'probably' a work by the artist, at least in part. But there is no guarantee. It's only an opinion.

 When Winston Spencer Churchill; “Studio of ….” or “Workshop of Winston Spencer Churchill "atelier" is used, this means that in their opinion it is a work executed in the studio of the artist. Possibly by an apprentice or even a pupil under the principal artists supervision.

 But if the term Sir Winston Spencer Churchill, or “Circle of Winston Spencer Churchill” is used, then in their opinion, it is a work of the period of the artist and showing his influence, or closely associated with the artist, BUT not necessarily by his pupil or student.

 When the name Winston Spencer Churchill is given; or Painted in the “Style of Winston Spencer Churchill” or “Follower of Winston Spencer Churchill is used, this means that in their opinion it is a work of art executed only in the artist’s 'style', but not necessarily by a pupil. But it may be contemporary, or nearly contemporary of the artist.

 If the phrase in the “Manner of Winston Spencer Churchill, is used it is defined….” Then in their opinion it's a work painted in the style of the artist but of a later date and definitely not by the artist himself.

 When the term “After….” Winston Spencer Churchill; is the term, then in their opinion it is a copy (made at any date) of an authentic and original work by the artist. This also applies to prints made 'after' an original..

 Winston Spencer Churchill; “Signed…”, “Dated….” or “Inscribed Winston Spencer Churchill” Then in their opinion the work has been signed/dated/or inscribed by that specific artist. The addition of a question mark however, indicates a strong element of doubt.

 When the term Winston Spencer Churchill is used followed by the words; "With signature ….”, or “With date ….” or “With inscription….” or “Bears signature Winston Spencer Churchill /date/or inscription” Then in their opinion, the signature / date / or inscription is spurious, forged or has been added by someone else other than the artist.

We can assist and advise you in all fine art related matters.

British Artist Authentication

LIENS D'AUTHENTIFICATION D'ART PAR GENRE

OLD  MASTER  ART

Art Ancien

Authentification d'art européen

ALTARPIECE &  PANEL  PAINTINGS

Retable et peintures de panneaux

IMPRESSIONIST   &  MODERN  ART

Art impressionniste et moderne

BRITISH  ART   AUTHENTICATION

Authentification d'art britannique

FRENCH  ART   AUTHENTICATION

Authentification d'art français

SCOTTISH  ART

Authentification de l'art écossais

Art hollandais et flamand

JUDAICA- Jewish Art

Judaica - Authentification de l'art juif

IRISH ART AUTHENTICATION

Authentification d'art irlandais

AMERICAN ART AUTHENTICATION

Authentification d'art américain

RUSSIAN ART AUTHENTICATION

Authentification d'art russe

SPANISH ART

Authentification d'art espagnol

CUBAN ART

Authentification d'art cubain

Authentification d'art canadien

HUNGARIAN ART

Authentification d'art hongrois

NORDIC - SCANDINAVIAN ART

Art nordique et scandinave

ISRAELI  ART

Authentification d'art israélien

ITALIAN ART AUTHENTICATION

Authentification d'art italien

CORNISH ART

INTERNATIONAL PORTRAITURE

OTHER SITE LINKS

BEYOND WILDENSTEIN - THE  GAUGUIN INDEX

1871-1884 | 1885- 1888 |  1889 - 1890 | 1891 - 1893 | 1894 - 1896 | 1897 - 1899 | 1900 - 1903

TERMES ET CONDITIONS

CURRENT INVESTIGATIONS

ENQUÊTES ACTUELLES

LISTE DES CLIENTS D'ENTREPRISE

Sir Winston Spencer Churchill Expert International Art Authentication Investigators | Fake British Painting & Forgery Detection | Expertise Attributions watercolours oils, authenticity, Landscapes, portraits, still lives. Florals,

Sir Winston Spencer Churchill, Sir Winston Churchill, Winston Churchill, Churchill, WSC, signature, signed, painting, oil, oil painting, oil landscape, watercolor, British, Watercolour, portrait, watercolorist, school, paintings, painters, painter, artist, artists, authentication, art , authentication , value, investigations, art authentication investigators, authenticity, international, legitimacy, real, biography, painter, artist, , watercolor, canvas, authenticate, authenticity, investigate, investigators, researchers, research, value, signature, fake, forgery, provenance, figures, international, detection, detective, appraiser, valuer, fine art, art consultant, fine art consultant, evaluate, inspect, examine, forensic, forensics, fakes, identification, faux, attribution, attributions, attribute, studio, pupil, apprentice, circle, follower, copy, after, manner of, portrait, self portrait, drawing, panel, D'après, floral, still life, studio, copy, impressionist