The Winter Show 2024 hosted at The Armoury in New York presents an extraordinary opportunity for collectors and history enthusiasts. The event features a unique collection from the esteemed Winston S. Churchill Collection of Steve Forbes, showcasing rare books, artwork, and personal items of the iconic British leader. London-based rare book dealer Peter Harrington offers these items, each with its historical significance and story.
Churchill's artifacts and art
At the heart of the collection is an original oil painting by Churchill, titled "The Entrance to the Gorge at Todhra, Morocco," painted in the winter of 1935/36 and valued at $395,000. Alongside this, a rare photograph signed by Winston and Clementine Churchill, marking their golden wedding anniversary, and the iconic original portrait of Churchill by Arthur Pan, valued at $125,000, are standout pieces. Churchill's desk from his Hyde Park Gate home, where he penned "The Second World War" and "History of the English-Speaking Peoples," is also up for sale, priced at $450,000.
A collector's legacy: Steve Forbes
Steve Forbes, renowned for his extensive collection of Churchill memorabilia, first became interested in Churchill through his father's stories from the Second World War. A leading collector in this field, Forbes' collection at the Winter Show includes 25 rare books inscribed by Churchill, a largely unpublished archive of correspondence from 1916 during Churchill's time in the trenches, and various presentation copies of significant works.
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Highlights of the Churchill Collection
Key items in the sale include revised proof copies of Churchill's "The Second World War" with corrections by Churchill himself, offered at $750,000. Other notable pieces are the first edition of "The Story of the Malakand Field Force," inscribed to Churchill’s valet ($47,500), a presentation copy of "Savrola" ($47,500), and the rare "Mr. Brodrick’s Army" ($150,000). A significant set of signed letters from Churchill during his service on the Western Front, valued at $75,000, and a presentation copy of Machiavelli’s "The Prince" to Lord Beaverbrook ($32,500), are also part of this remarkable collection.
Pom Harrington, the owner of Peter Harrington, remarks on the collection's significance: “This remarkable collection...represents one of the most significant collections we have handled in more than 50 years as rare booksellers." The collection offers rare artefacts for sale and provides a glimpse into the life and times of one of the 20th century's most influential figures.
