by Noella Noelophile®
What images come to mind when you hear the name, “Sir Winston Churchill”?
You probably thought, “British Prime Minister” or “brilliant thinker and strategist”.
But in all probability, you didn’t think of him as an artist.
As the Queen Mary celebrates her eightieth anniversary, you now have an opportunity to get acquainted with Sir Winston’s art.
On Friday, May 27th, 2016–the eighty-year anniversary of the Queen’s maiden voyage–the Queen Mary hosted a special ceremony. 
On board were dignitaries including Lord Alan Watson, of the BBC (and author of the new book, Churchill’s Legacy) and District Director Lara Larramendi, from Congresswoman Janice Hahn’s office.
Queen Mary General Manager John Jenkins (right) accepted a special honor to commemorate the occasion.
Following the speeches, Sir Winston’s great-grandson Randolph opened the exhibition, “Passion for Painting: The Art of Sir Winston Churchill” aboard the great ship. During World War II, the Queen Mary became Sir Winston’s quarters at sea
The exhibition includes ten of the nearly 575 paintings Sir Winston created in his lifetime. 
He was introduced to painting at the age of forty–at a particularly low point in his life. The disastrous Gallipoli Campaign, in 1915, failed to end World War I and resulted in thousands of casualties among Allied forces. Sir Winston, in disgrace, was demoted from the Admiralty.
“And he got his paintbrush, and he was told to paint bravely and with positive energy,” Randolph said. “And that really lifted him, from that very difficult time and circumstance.”
Randolph shared some thoughts on his great-grandfather’s life and work.
The ten oil paintings included both landscapes and seascapes. This landscape, “Marrakesh”, looks almost magical. 
These works, along with some never-before seen artifacts, are on loan from the National Churchill Museum, in Fulton, Missouri, as well as the Churchill family.
Timothy Ryan, Director and Chief Curator of the National Churchill Museum, offered some insights into Sir Winston’s life as an artist, and the stories behind the art.
He also shared the story behind this top hat–which you’ll see among the memorabilia!
The “Passion for Painting: the Art of Winston Churchill” exhibit is open aboard the Queen Mary through the end of 2016. Gallery hours are 10 am to 6 pm, daily, and admission is included with any Queen Mary passport starting at $25.