New Exhibition “Churchill: Image and Power”

This month, September 2025, Chartwell, the former home of Sir Winston Churchill, unveils an exciting new exhibition that delves into the iconic leader’s carefully crafted public persona. Churchill: Image and Power explores how Winston Churchill curated his image, solidifying his place as one of the most recognisable figures of the 20th century.

A closer look at Churchill’s wardrobe

The exhibition showcases an array of Churchill’s most iconic uniforms and personal clothing, displayed on custom-made mannequins designed to match his build and posture. These mannequins are arranged to reflect how Churchill stood, walked and addressed crowds creating the impression that the great statesman himself is in the room.

Highlights include Churchill’s custom-made Siren Suit, a forerunner of today’s ‘onesie,’ his signature navy bow tie with white dots a nod to his father’s style and his favourite monogrammed velvet slippers, which he frequently reordered to ensure comfort and style.

A restored uniform room

The exhibition takes place in the newly restored Uniform Room at Chartwell, where visitors can now explore a hidden feature: an uncovered fireplace. This room offers a glimpse into how it looked during the Churchills’ time, when it was used to host distinguished guests such as T.E. Lawrence (better known as Lawrence of Arabia) and the legendary Charlie Chaplin.

The power of image

Winston Churchill knew that image was a powerful tool. As he once wrote in his 1931 book Thoughts and Adventures:

"One of the most necessary features of a public man’s equipment is some distinctive mark which everyone learns to look for and recognise."

In this exhibition, Churchill’s clothing choices reveal how he deliberately used his attire to enhance his image. From his Privy Councillor tailcoat to his siren suit and ten-gallon hat, each garment tells a unique story about his roles as a soldier, statesman, father and symbol of wartime resilience.

One of the most intriguing displays features his Siren Suit and Ten-Gallon Hat, which are shown together for the first time in the UK. This practical yet distinctive one-piece garment became part of his signature look during the Second World War.

Other exhibits include his Army Officer’s Greatcoat, worn when Churchill served as Honorary Colonel of the Royal Sussex Regiment in 1941 and his Tropical Service Dress as a Colonel of the 4th Queen’s Own Hussars, showcasing his deep connection to his military past.

Personal items that shaped his image

The exhibition also highlights a number of personal items that played a key role in defining Churchill’s public image, including:

Cigars: Churchill’s cigars were as much a part of his persona as his speeches. He was known to smoke up to 10 cigars a day and he always made sure to have one on hand when appearing in public.
Bow Tie: A navy bow tie with white dots, echoing his father’s style, became a signature accessory for Churchill, starting with his time as an MP in 1900.
Cambridge Bowler Hat: Churchill’s distinctive “bowker,” a hybrid of a bowler and a top hat, helped him stand out at public events, particularly during the war years.

Restoring history at Chartwell

This exhibition is housed in Chartwell’s Uniform Room, recently restored to reflect the 1930s domestic atmosphere when the Churchills lived there. It was once the principal guest bedroom, hosting luminaries like Lawrence of Arabia and Charlie Chaplin. The room later became a dining area and, after Churchill’s death, transformed into a museum gallery. Thanks to the generosity of National Trust members and donors, the room has now been returned to its 1930s style, complete with exposed 17th-century beams and a newly revealed fireplace.

For more details and to plan your visit, head to National Trust - Chartwell. Or click the "Visit the website or page" button in the "Additional info" bar.  

About Chartwell

Chartwell, the beloved former home of Winston Churchill, offers visitors an intimate glimpse into the life of the wartime leader. Set in the rolling hills of Kent, the property is now cared for by the National Trust. From the family’s private life to Churchill’s political and artistic achievements, Chartwell showcases his legacy in a deeply personal way.

About the National Trust

The National Trust is a charity dedicated to preserving the nation’s heritage and landscapes for future generations. It manages more than 500 historic properties, gardens and nature reserves, as well as caring for over 250.000 hectares of countryside. In 2023/24, the National Trust welcomed over 25 million visitors to its properties.