In the 1970s, Sarah Churchill was involved in the commercial publication of a series of drawings by Curtis Hooper entitled, “A Visual Philosophy of Sir Winston Churchill.” I am often asked about these drawings, and what they are worth. I am qualified neither to appraise art nor to testify to its genuinity, and offer what I know herewith.
Except for one picture based on a sketch of her father by Sarah, each print was based on a famous photograph of Sir Winston. The publisher was Graphic House in New Jersey. The scheme was quite successful.
Each print was assigned a particular Churchill quotation and signed by Sarah in pencil, numbered, and presented with a debossed Churchill coat of arms and quotation. The published format was 22 1/2″ x 34 1/2″. Some sources say each print had an edition of 400, and some prints indicate 300. But this was a maximum figure, and in fact the actual number produced was much lower (see letter below).
These prints are also seen (also signed in pencil) in smaller format, about the size of a sheet of U.S. stationery, but were not part of the original project and appear to be reproductions. Indeed it may be that some of large format prints now offered are reproductions. Neither I nor The Churchill Centre is capable of validating originals. As always with all fine art, one should buy from a reputable dealer who is able to supply provenance and assure authenticity.
Very few full collections of these prints exist, and a complete set would be quite valuable. The smaller prints seem to be very numerous, but since they are not originals they carry no authenticity and no great value. The larger prints, properly authenticated, are worth much more.
Finest Hour #117, Winter 2002-03, featured what we then believed to be a complete collection of sixteen prints, donated to Hillsdale College by the Churchill scholar, Dr. Harry V. Jaffa. Information received since indicates there are more than thirty. Three more were published in Finest Hour 120, Autumn 2003. I am still compiling and would be interested in receiving a .jpg photo of any print not in these articles.
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I have one of the larger size prints with a drawing of Churchill reading a newspaper on a park bench. The quote is “I shall keep you informed.” It is numbered 10/300 (not 400). In addition to the debossed Churchill coat of arms and quotation, in the lower left corner there is a debossed “drawing” of Churchill with 4 roses to his right arm, and Sarah’s debossed signature under his left arm.
I have a print called “FRIENDS” and is numbered 316/350 along with all the documents (COA’s). It is a drawing of FDR and Churchill at their meetring at Malta during the War. FDR is sitting in his wheel chair with Churchill standing to the back of the chair with his famous cigar in his mouth. The quotation reads “I WAS OVERPOWERED BY A SENSE OF DEEP AND IRREPARABLE LOSS”. Also the Churchill Coat of Arms in the lower left hand corner and a cross of the unknown soldier that reads “”And so were we” with Sarah Churchill’s signature under the drawing on the right side. It also has Curtis Hoopers signature at the base of the drawing. It is custom framed and flawless. I’ve owned it since 1993.
I have number 5/350 of the Curtis Hooper print called “Friends” of
FDR & Churchill, signed by Sarah Churchill and Curtis Hooper. It is a
powerful image and historically significant, in my opinion.
Am wondering as to the realistic value of this item for insurance purposes.
I have no appraisal expertise and recommend you see what the prints are selling for on eBay, or contact Mark Weber, the Churchill Book Specialist, who has probably handled several of them: mark@wscbooks.com. You may wish to insure such material for a higher value, to allow for inflation increases.
The two most famous of the issue, especially to Americans, was “Friends” and “Honorary Citizenship,” respectively picturing FDR and Churchill at Yalta and Churchill and JFK. These two are probably the most collectable. I was given a value of $3000 (framed) back in 1993 by Sotheby’s, New York, especially with all the documents because many prints do not have them. I even have the documents stating that the original plates were destroyed back in 1972. Sarah died in 1982.
I have a friend who has a large collection of these pieces in his basement. They are signed by Curtis Hooper, sealed by Sarah Churchill, and embossed. I am current helping him get these works out of his basement and into a gallery. I would greatly appreciate more information about these works. Great article.
Please feel free to contact me if you wish to talk more. I apologize for not having a jpeg but I can show you a video if you wish to contact me.
jmerk_7@hotmail.com
I have ” We will never never give in” Image of Winston he is wearing overcoat and military hat. Includes a embosed image of british troops in North Africa and Churchill coat of arms. Sarah Churchill pencil signature and includes a reference to both she and Hooper written in pencil at bottom. 285 of 300. My freind found this in the garage of his deceasded father in-law, not sure of history.