Inspired by Chartwell Painting Competition and Exhibition

Painting of Chartwell by Sir Winston Churchill. Autumnal trees in the foreground and beside the swimming pool, the brick house of Chartwell in the midground. Rolling hills and fields of the Weald of Kent in the background beneath a cloudy sky. — A view of Chartwell painted by Sir Winston Churchill, c.1938 | © Churchill Heritage Ltd. reproduced with permission of Curtis Brown, London on behalf of Churchill Heritage, Ltd.

This summer, amateur artists of all ages are encouraged to be inspired by Chartwell with a chance to have their painting displayed in Sir Winston Churchill’s studio.

For Churchill, who first picked up a paintbrush aged 40, painting was an antidote to pressure and strain. From the views of his beloved home at Chartwell to those of the lakes and mountains of Europe and beyond, he was prolific, producing over 500 paintings over his lifetime.

In 2026, Chartwell will be lending 15 of its paintings, which comprises the largest collection of Churchill's works on public display in the world, to the Wallace Collection in London. Their Winston Churchill: The Painter exhibition will shed new light on Churchill as a painter, using paintings from public and private collections from around the world.

To celebrate this exhibition, artists of all ages and experience are invited to be inspired as Churchill was and enter their own paintings of the house, gardens and landscape at Chartwell into a competition. The winners will have their painting displayed in Churchill’s painting studio throughout 2026.

‘This is a wonderful opportunity,’ says Katherine Carter, Chartwell’s Property Curator, ‘To showcase the works of amateur artists, by being inspired by Chartwell, will be following in Winston Churchill’s footsteps. Churchill himself was a keen painter who doubted his own abilities, but never tired of capturing on canvas the place he so dearly loved. We are encouraging anyone and everyone who has a love of painting to enter.’

Black and white archive photo of Sir Winston Churchill seated before an easel and paint set painting beneath a parasol. — Sir Winston Churchill painting | © Freemantle/Alamy

How and when to enter the competition

Online submissions for photographs of paintings to be entered into the competition will open on 1 July and close on 30 September 2025. Please note that we reserve the right to close the submissions period early if we receive up to 200 entries before 30 September 2025. If the competition closes early, we will update this webpage to alert prospective entrants.

Shortlisted entrants will be notified by National Trust Chartwell as soon as possible after shortlisting but before Friday 17 October 2025. Those shortlisted will be invited to take part in the competition judging day, bringing their painting to Chartwell for judging in November 2025.

An online submissions link and details for submitting photographed entries by post will be listed here once the competition is open.

Painting competition eligibility requirements

Amateur artists over the age of seven may enter (age 7 or older as of 30 September 2025).
Paintings must be on paper or canvas and preferably 18x24 inches but no larger than 28x36 inches.
The artist must allow the National Trust to look after and display the artwork from the period 1 December 2025 to 28 February 2027.
The artist will be responsible for delivering their artwork to Chartwell and collecting it after the display period. Chartwell will not arrange transport or provide storage outside the exhibition dates.
The subject matter must be inspired by the house, gardens and landscape at Chartwell.

Summary of criteria for shortlisting

Eight winners will be selected from those that are shortlisted. Shortlisting will be guided by the eligibility requirements as well as the artists’ response to Chartwell the place. Judges will also consider the age and experience of the artist, with the aim of representing a range of artists with differing levels of experience.

Please download the Terms and Conditions for full details.

Go out and paint for the fun and enjoyment of it.

A quote by Sir Winston Churchill

Outdoor painting event at Chartwell

Wednesday 11 and 18 June, Saturday 5 and 19 July 2025

This summer, we are also inviting amateur artists to take part in an outdoor painting event at Chartwell.

Bring along your easel or sketchpad, find a spot in the gardens or parkland, and capture the views across Chartwell that provided inspiration and solace to Sir Winston Churchill.

Participation in this event is free of charge, but booking is required. Participants will need to arrive at Chartwell between 9.30–11.30am to register before entering the grounds. The outdoor painting event booking includes free admission to the grounds of Chartwell including the Exhibition Room and Studio. It does not include entrance to the House.

If you would like to go into the House, please purchase a House entry ticket on arrival at the Visitor Centre. Timed entry tickets into the House are issued on a first come, first served basis. The Visitor Centre will offer you the next available timeslot. Please note that we do not have capacity to store painting equipment, and this cannot be brought into the House.

Please check availability on the National Trust ticketing website to book your place at the outdoor painting event.