‘Churchill: Image and Power’ – the Uniform Room at Chartwell

Two conservators adjust a hat at on a Winston Churchill mannequin beneath lettering on the wall which says Churchill. — Conservators prepare one of Churchill's uniforms for display | © National Trust/Kate York

Following a major conservation project, made possible by generous donations and supporters’ legacies, the Uniform Room at Chartwell has been transformed to showcase Sir Winston Churchill’s newly restored uniforms. ‘Churchill: Image and Power’ explores how Britain’s wartime Prime Minister became one of the most recognisable figures in history.

Whether dressed in military uniform or his signature hat and bow tie, Winston Churchill carefully chose his attire to convey a particular message. His distinct appearance made him memorable and easy to identify.

The clothing items in the restored Uniform Room were all worn by Winston Churchill during his long public life. They are displayed on customised mannequins, adapted to mirror Churchill’s posture and build. They are positioned to reflect how he stood, walked, or addressed a crowd, bringing his presence and personality vividly to life.

Textile Conservator Zenzie Tinker has carried out painstaking work to restore and remount some of Churchill’s most significant uniforms. These are now displayed in modern cases to preserve them for future generations.

The History of the Uniform Room

The structure of the room dates from the 17th century and is within the footprint of the original building which dates from the 14th century. For most of the time that the Churchills lived at Chartwell, the room served as the principal guest bedroom. In the decade following the Second World War, it was used as a private dining room.

Following Churchill’s death in 1965, the National Trust and Clementine Churchill prepared the house for opening to the public. The room was chosen to display his robes and uniforms. Lady Churchill invited visual merchandiser Michael Haynes to design the Uniform Room and the adjoining Museum Room. Haynes’ bold and colourful design remained a distinctive feature at Chartwell for nearly 60 years.

Over time, the condition of the 1960s display cases had deteriorated, requiring the careful removal of Haynes’ interior design in the Uniform Room. In keeping with the style of the rest of the house, the National Trust has returned the Uniform Room to its 1930s decor, revealing the original 17th-century beams, floorboards and fireplace.

Visiting the Uniform Room

The Uniform Room is located on an upstairs floor of the house at Chartwell. In 2025, it will be open to visitors until Sunday 2 November. After this date, this part of the house will be closed for the winter conservation period. (During the festive season, selected rooms in other parts of the house will be decorated and open to the public.) The Uniform Room will reopen again when the house re-opens fully in March 2026.

Please check the opening times on our visitor information page for the date of your planned visit.

Timed entry tickets for visiting

To ensure you have the best experience and to help protect Chartwell’s historic collection, timed tickets are required to enter the house.

House tickets can be purchased from 10am on the day in the Visitor Centre on a first come, first served basis. A limited number of tickets for afternoon timeslots are also made available for online pre-booking.

Please have a look at the Planning your visit to Chartwell page of our website for more information.