Print this page Cliveden and Chartwell: Scandal, Power and Art

Two great English country houses. Two very different stories. For almost three centuries, Cliveden has been a meeting place for the powerful. Its walls have seen political intrigue, famous guests and, in the 1960s, the scandal of the Profumo affair. Its art tells the story of its residents, from John Singer Sargent's portrait of Nancy Astor to the beautiful war memorial garden created by Australian sculptor Sir Bertram Mackennal. Chartwell, by contrast, was the much-loved family home of Winston Churchill from 1924. Here, away from the pressures of politics and war, Churchill painted. In his garden studio we can see his own paintings and discover how art helped him make sense of his world. In this illustrated talk, we'll explore both houses, the people who lived there and the art they left behind. We'll also ask what these homes reveal about power, privacy and creativity.

Join fellow history and art lovers in a relaxed, friendly setting. Bring your questions and your own stories, and enjoy a journey of discovery together.

DELIVERY MODE

Online

COURSE OUTLINE

• An introduction to the National Trust houses of Cliveden & Chartwell
• The political events, people & art of Cliveden
• The family life & art of Winston Churchill

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Recognise the houses & history of Cliveden & Chartwell
• Explore the political intrigues of Cliveden 
• Understand the significance of Chartwell to Winston Churchill
• Reflect on the artistic practice of Winston Churchill