Churchill statue includes bottle of Pol Roger in nod to his favourite champagne
Sir Winston Churchill’s latest statue incorporates a bottle of Pol Roger in nod to his favourite champagne.
The wartime leader was born at his family’s ancestral seat at Blenheim Palace, where a new sculpture has been unveiled in honour of the two-time prime minister.
The life-size statue depicts Churchill painting at an easel, but contains a reference to another of his favourite methods of relaxation. Near his feet stands a sculpted bottle of Pol Roger champagne, a tipple he enjoyed from 1908 onwards.
The statue was commissioned to mark 150 years since the birth of the British statesman, whose leadership proved decisive in the Second World War.
Paul Rafferty, the sculptor of the piece, said, “I wanted to honour Sir Winston’s passion for the arts.
“By recreating his iconic painting in bas-relief on the canvas, and surrounding him with the tools he cherished like the bespoke tin canisters that held his paint brushes, his favourite Pol Roger champagne, his Stetson, cigar, and easel – I aimed to capture a vivid moment of his life at Blenheim, a place he loved deeply.”
This exclusive event at Blenheim Palace marked the unveiling of a magnificent statue of Sir Winston Churchill, created by artist Paul Rafferty. #Churchill #ThinkChurchill #WinstonChurchill#blenheimpalace #paulrafferty #raffertyart #portlandgallerylondon pic.twitter.com/yFo75RADxC
— International Churchill Society (@ChurchillCentre) October 30, 2024
Churchill’s affection for the champagne has been recognised in France and in 2020, Pol Roger launched its exclusive Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill in his honour.
The company estimated that Churchill may have managed an average of around two bottles each day on the basis of his habits and the number of bottles he ordered.
The Blenheim sculpture also shows Churchill enjoying one of his favoured Cuban cigars, and dabbing paint onto a canvas which depicts the country house itself.
The artwork will be displayed as part of a series of 150th anniversary celebrations honouring Churchill, whose achievements as a hobbying painter have recently enjoyed greater recognition, with many pieces selling through leading auction houses like Sotheby’s.
Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill, whose family still runs Blenheim, said: “This extraordinary sculpture is a fitting tribute to Winston Churchill’s artistic talents, as well as his love for Blenheim Palace.
“We are delighted to welcome this unique piece and to commemorate 150 years since his birth.”