Framed Wartime COLOR PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPH of Winston Churchill
1945
(Photo: 8 x 10 inches/Print: 13 x 18 inches overall)
Item Number: 211197
$2,500.00
Description
A rare original wartime color print of a marvelous Churchill portrait issued for the joint benefit of United States Army Air Forces Aid Society and Royal Air Force Charities as part of the R.A.F. Color Portrait Project.
In 1945, photographer David Waddington was serving in the R.A.F. as an Airman when he was released from duty to photograph Churchill at his London home. Churchill wore the uniform of Air Commodore, Royal Air Force for the sitting and was so pleased with one study in particular, he later signed five direct-color prints of it for presentation.
The print offered here was produced concurrently with Churchill’s five and is identical to them, save for a fundraising message from Churchill printed beneath the image:
“The Rt. Hon. Winston S. Churchill. I may justly tell you how proud is my love for this great and mighty nation and empire of the United States. Published in the U.S.A. for the joint benefit of United States Army Air Forces Aid Society and Royal Air Force Charities as part of the R.A.F. Color Portrait Project.”
This particular print comes from the estate of RAF pilot Stuart Gardner Hunt, author of “Twice Surreal,” a memoir of his service in World War II and Korea. The print measures 13 x 18 inches and has been handsomely framed. It is in very good condition, somewhat darkened with age.