A painting by Winston Churchill, titled ‘Amaryllis Lily’, has been sold for £716,800 at Christie’s in London. This sale occurred during the Modern British and Irish Art Evening Sale on October 21, 2026. The proceeds from the hammer price are designated to support a charity programme aimed at enhancing arts in public spaces.

Christie’s confirmed that 100 per cent of the hammer price will benefit the Churchill Fellowship, transforming a piece from Churchill’s personal art collection into funding for community-focused arts initiatives. The painting was initially estimated to fetch between £300,000 and £500,000, surpassing expectations by £216,800.

The auction house clarified that the £716,800 figure reflects the auction price, while the charity’s share is specifically the hammer price. This amount does not include additional costs such as the buyer’s premium and other applicable charges.

History and Ownership of ‘Amaryllis Lily’

‘Amaryllis Lily’ is an oil painting on canvas, measuring 36 by 24 inches, or approximately 91.5 by 61 centimetres. The painting features Churchill’s initials, “WSC,” in the lower-left corner, indicating its connection to the Churchill family. It was gifted to Churchill’s youngest daughter, Lady Mary Soames, who later donated it to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust in 1995.

This donation allowed the Trust, now known as the Churchill Fellowship, to utilise the artwork for its purposes. The painting remained with the charity for over three decades before being auctioned, enabling the organisation to convert a personal asset into financial support for its initiatives.

Churchill, renowned for his leadership during the Second World War, also pursued painting as a significant personal interest. He began this artistic journey in 1915 and continued for many years, creating landscapes, still lifes, and scenes inspired by his travels. His work reflects his fascination with still-life subjects, allowing him to experiment with colour and composition.

Funding for Arts Initiatives

The proceeds from the auction are intended to support the Churchill Fellowship’s ‘Making Space for the Arts’ programme, a three-year initiative launched in 2025. This programme aims to enhance artistic practice in public spaces and broaden access to cultural activities. The Fellowship’s initiative focuses on projects that explore how large-scale artistic activities can be designed and delivered in collaboration with communities.

It seeks to expand participation in public arts, making cultural experiences more inclusive across various settings, including streets, parks, and public buildings. Such initiatives provide communities with opportunities to engage in creative work, express local identities, and experience art collectively. The Fellowship aims to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to deliver ambitious public arts projects, seeking a second cohort of around 10 Fellows to build upon the programme’s initial efforts.

Churchill Fellowship and Its Mission

‘The Churchill Fellowship’, operating under the name of the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust, is a UK charity established in 1965. It awards fellowships that enable individuals to learn from international practices and apply those insights within the UK. The sale of ‘Amaryllis Lily’ exemplifies how the charity can leverage historical assets to support contemporary projects.

Rather than remaining merely a collectible associated with Churchill, the painting has generated funds for an initiative focused on community participation and creativity. The auction, part of Christie’s October sale of modern British and Irish art, raised a total of £23.09 million.

The highest-selling piece was Barbara Hepworth’s sculpture ‘Sculpture with Colour (Eos)’, which sold for £6.19 million. The successful sale of Churchill’s painting not only exceeded its pre-sale estimate but also ensures ongoing support for the Fellowship’s mission to enhance public engagement in the arts.

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