Dunkirk
Ernest Townsend (Derby 1880 - Derby 1944)
Category
Art / Oil paintings
Date
1941
Materials
Oil on canvas
Measurements
1457 x 1240 x 95 mm
Order this imageCollection
Chartwell, Kent
NT 1102534
Summary
Oil painting on canvas, Dunkirk, by Ernest Townsend (Derby 1880 - Derby 1944), 1941. Painted in 1941, this picture is based on a series of a photographs depicting the evacuation of Dunkirk (26 May - 4 June 1940). Ernest Townsend had been a Derby-based portrait artist until the outbreak of the Second World War when he turned his attention to depictions of the conflict. He is also known for having helped to camouflage the Rolls Royce Merlin Engine factories to ensure that the Germany Luftwaffe were unable to bomb this vital source of military equipment. Following Townsend's death, in 1947 'Dunkirk' was offered as a gift to Winston Churchill by David Townsend, the artist's son. Churchill sat to Townshend for a portrait in 1915 (which hangs in the Liberal Club, London). Correspondences between David Townsend and Churchill's secretaries show that Churchill was 'honoured to accept' the painting. It was initially sent to the Churchills' London residence but within weeks was delivered to Chartwell where it remained for the rest of Churchill's life (it is recorded in the 1965/6 inventories of Chartwell's contents). In May 2022, following extensive conservation to both the canvas and frame, it was publicly displayed for the first time at Chartwell.
Provenance
Given to Winston Churchill by David Townsend, the artist's son, in 1947.
Marks and inscriptions
Bottom right : Ernest Townsend Reverse: Exhibition label printed: 'DERBY CORPORATION ART GALLERY/ Ernest Townsend Memorial Exhibition/ 7th October to 2nd December 1944/ Lender's name 'Mrs E. Townsend' (hand written in ink)/ Address 'Coxbench' (ditto)/ Title of Picture 'Dunkirk' (ditto)/ Catalogue No '63' (ditto)
Makers and roles
Ernest Townsend (Derby 1880 - Derby 1944), artist