Main image: Antwerp oil painting. Photograph by James Dobson NT
The appeal aims to reinvigorate Winston Churchill’s legacy at his family home, Chartwell in Kent and acquire prized possessions for the nation
As part of the 50th anniversary since Chartwell, Winston Churchill’s family home, was opened to the public, the National Trust has launched a fundraising appeal to secure many personal items that belonged to the wartime Prime Minister. The funds will also enable new interpretation across the property, along with increased access to the collections, and the opening of family rooms that have never been seen by the public.
Part of the appeal is to acquire for the nation hundreds of precious heirlooms, many of international significance, that have been on long term loan to Chartwell. The items include Churchill’s library of inscribed books, medallions, gifts and awards that he received from around the world, including his Nobel Prize in Literature, along with personal and poignant mementoes such as the speech box in which he stored notes for his famous speeches.
“The collection at Chartwell tells us about Sir Winston Churchill the man. It is crucial that we do all we can to ensure these heirlooms stay here where he hoped they would remain,” said Katherine Barnett, Chartwell’s house and collections manager. “A successful appeal will not only allow us to secure these items but will enable us to tell Churchill’s story in new and dynamic ways as part of our wider plans for Chartwell so that one of our greatest Britons remains accessible to people of all ages.”
A successful fundraising appeal will ensure the historic collection can remain permanently at Chartwell for visitors and future generations to enjoy. The objects throughout Churchill’s home represent his long and eventful life ranging from his distinguished political and writing careers to his passions for painting, farming and wildlife.
The Trust aims to raise the money by January 2017 to secure the collection and enable the wider project work to begin.
Money can be donated to the appeal by:
- Making a donation online at nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell-revive
- Making a donation over the phone by calling 0344 800 1895
