Chalke History Talks Sponsor for 15 Years

26th June 2026

Discovering Churchill the Painter at Chalke History Festival

Woolley and Wallis are delighted to sponsor a special talk at this year's Chalke History Festival, 'Happy are the Painters: Discovering Churchill', taking place on Friday 26 June from 5.30pm to 6.30pm at the Guildhall marquee.

Art dealer and television presenter Philip Mould, comedian Al Murray and historian, festival founder and podcaster James Holland will explore the lesser-known creative life of Sir Winston Churchill. Their discussion will reveal how painting became one of Churchill's greatest passions, examine a fascinating lost-art mystery and consider the surprising relationship between his artistic pursuits and his leadership during the Second World War.

While Churchill is remembered as one of the twentieth century's most influential statesmen, he was also a prolific painter, producing more than 500 works. His subjects ranged from sun-drenched Mediterranean landscapes and vibrant Moroccan scenes to still lifes and views of his beloved home, Chartwell. His paintings were celebrated during his lifetime and have been exhibited internationally, including at the Royal Academy in London and the Museum of Art in São Paulo. Interest in Churchill's artwork continues to grow. In 2021, the only painting he created during the Second World War sold for £8.3 million after having passed through the collections of Franklin D. Roosevelt and Angelina Jolie.

Woolley and Wallis has proudly supported talks and discussions at Chalke History Festival since the event's launch in 2011. Running from 22–28 June 2026, the festival offers a packed programme of talks, debates, living history experiences, performances and family-friendly events.

Weekly passes and day tickets are available HERE

*This extremely popular talk thoroughly entertained over 500 festival guests, in what turned out to be a balmy summer's evening.