Clementine Churchill played an invaluable role in Winston Churchill’s whole career and consequently world history. Her public influence and persona were vital in helping to shore up support for Soviet Russia in Britain, as explored through our exhibition, The Wallace Collection at War.    

Before that, Clementine helped revive Churchill’s career following the Gallipoli disaster of the First World War – and indeed his morale by persuading him to take up painting, highlighted through our major retrospective of his work, Winston Churchill: The Painter.  

In this talk Sonia Purnell will explore the role Clementine Churchill played in not only supporting Winston Churchill through his public and private life, but how she also took centre stage in her position as the Prime Minister’s wife, leading on key diplomatic duties such as fundraising for the USSR during World War II.    

About the speaker: Sonia Purnell is a prize-winning bestselling author, broadcaster and journalist known for her lively writing style, meticulous research and inspirational speaking. She has sold over a million books in the US alone and won fans from American presidents and first ladies to fashionistas, from UK special forces to US Supreme Court judges.   

Her last three books have recounted the astonishing lives of formidable and stylish women who triumphed against the odds to shape the world today in ways never previously revealed or understood. First Lady: The Life & Wars of Clementine Churchill was published to acclaim on both sides of the Atlantic and inspired several scenes in the Netflix series, The Crown.   

Take part at the museum: Join us at the museum for this special talk, followed by drinks, book signing and after-hours access to our exhibitions until 20.45. 

Watch online: This talk will also be broadcast live from the museum via Zoom. Online ticketholders will be emailed a link to join 24 hours in advance. Ticketholders will also receive a link to view a recording of the talk, which will be available for two weeks. 

Background Image: Mrs Maisky opens Artists Aid Russia exhibition, 1942 © The Times