Curio

State Library of New South Wales
Design, proofs and finished bookplate featuring Sir Winston Churchill’s coat-of-arms, November 1955

Design, proofs and finished bookplate featuring Sir Winston Churchill’s coat-of-arms, November 1955

Pencil, ink on paper

DGA 70


Sir Winston Churchill became one of the most recognised public figures of the 20th century by serving England as a soldier and politician for over 70 years. Soon after his death on 24 January 1965, the Australian Prime Minister Sir Robert Menzies launched a nationwide appeal for funds to create a Trust in Churchill’s memory. Australia’s World War II Returned Servicemen and women demonstrated their admiration and respect for Churchill by conducting the greatest one-day door knock in Australian history. The appeal raised over 2 million pounds and the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust was established to administer the funds and the Churchill Fellowship award scheme. 2015 marks the 50th anniversary. 


Signature

Gayfield Shaw signed his name in pencil at the bottom right of the print.


Fiel pero desdichado

Fiel pero desdichado is Spanish for ‘Faithful but unfortunate’ (or ‘Faithful though unhappy’), the family motto of the Dukes of Marlborough. Churchill was the grandson of the 7th Duke, showing the combined Spencer-Churchill arms and both crests.