Film spurs interest in life of Churchills, as exhibition at Chartwell is extended

Katherine Carter, curator at Chartwell, the former home of Sir Winston Churchill and his wife Clementine in Kent, views a painting by Sir Winston of his wife during a preview of the Chartwell winter exhibition

Kristin Scott Thomas’s portrayal of Lady Clementine Churchill in the movie, now Oscar-nominated, has inspired crowds of people to learn more about her personal life, staff at the family’s former home in Kent, said.

In advance of today’s 53rd anniversary of the former Prime Minister’s death, the National Trust said it had decided to extend Clementine Churchill: Speaking for Herself at Chartwell in Westerham until October. The exhibition features more than 60 pieces, including such previously unseen personal items as childhood photographs and a portrait by Paul Maze, the last of the Post Impressionists.

They sit side-by-side with pictures, private letters and gifts gathered from the National Trust’s own archives, the Churchill family’s collection and images from other contributors.

Curator Katherine Carter said the display gave visitors a chance to learn more about Clementine’s resilience in the face of difficulties during her upbringing when her parents separated, her enduring relationship with Sir Winston and her love of sport.

She said: “The exhibition has been so popular. We’ve had really good numbers of people despite the weather and have received so many requests to extend it.

“The film has undoubtedly had an impact on how Churchill is seen in the public eye.

“There has been a real interest in Clementine and the role of women – in many ways she was ahead of her time as a political wife. She was a truly remarkable woman.”

Parts of the film were shot at Chartwell, which Churchill bought in 1922 after falling in love with the surrounding view of the Weald of Kent.

Clementine, his devoted confidante for more than 56 years and mother to their five children, was key to Churchill’s success, Ms Carter added.