I recently acquired Painting as a Pastime, reprinted 1965. Across from the title page is the memorable photo of Mr. Churchill at an easel. Under this photo is his signature. The signature seems authentic, however I am not an expert and am unsure. For this edition, is there a signature that has been printed under the photo? —W.R.
Yes; it’s a printed signature, present in every copy of the book. When Churchill actually signed copies, it would usually be on the first free endpaper, or occasionally on the title page.
Painting as a Pastime, Churchill’s charming essay on his chief hobby (and other hobbies—he is also big on books) was first published in The Strand magazine in 1921, reprinted in Thoughts and Adventures, and finally published as a volume in its own right in 1948. It has nothing whatever to do with war or politics, and everything to do with having fun. Numerous reprints make it readily available.
For lovers of his paintings, the best book available is Sir Winston Churchill: His Life and His Paintings, by David Coombs and Minnie Churchill, which documents all 550+ paintings, traces their whereabouts, and pictures most of them in full color.
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Regarding your comments about “Painting as a Pastime”. I was recently given a first edition signed as a Christmas gift by both Clementine and Winston Churchill. I also have a letter from the recipient’s daughter (an elderly friend of mine) explaining who the recipient was. I have seen items on-line suggesting that a copy of the first edition signed by Sir Winston himself sells for about $US7500. I have no idea whether any other copies exist signed by both the Churchills. Any information you could give me would be appreciated.
Tom, that’s fairly unique. To my knowledge they rarely inscribed copies jointly. CSC’s signature is worth much less than WSC’s, of course, but the two of them together, with the provenance you mention, makes a very special item indeed. US$7500 is not out of line for an inscribed first edition. Despite the current economy, a Churchill bookseller friend tells me, prices have not dropped for premium inscribed copies, although sales are less frequent.