CHURCHILL, Sir Winston S. (1874–1965)
Typed Letter Signed, with Presentation Cigar
Chartwell, Westerham, Kent, 8 August 1951
A highly engaging and intimate letter from Sir Winston Churchill, offering a rare glimpse into his private life at Chartwell, accompanied by an exceptional associated relic.
Typed letter signed (“Winston S. Churchill”), two pages, 4to, on Chartwell headed paper, dated August 1951, the typed date amended in Churchill’s hand with a manuscript “8”. The letter is addressed to R. J. Whitwell, a tropical fish breeder, and thanks him for a recent delivery of exotic fish, while discussing, in charming and unexpectedly domestic detail, their behaviour and care:
“The Siamese Fighters, Golly and Cleopatra, both had three days together, but she remained coy… I have therefore returned them to their separate apartments and will have another try soon.”
Churchill continues with practical inquiries regarding water conditions and notes, with characteristic humour, the rapid breeding of his fish:
“The Black Mollies are breeding at so great a rate… we shall soon have to move out on to the lawn.”
The letter also reflects Churchill’s sense of propriety, urging Whitwell to invoice him for the fish supplied. The text features a small manuscript correction by Churchill, amending a typed error in “Siamese”.
Accompanied by an unsmoked cigar personally given by Churchill to Whitwell during a visit to Chartwell, retained by the latter as a memento. The cigar—one of Churchill’s favoured La Aroma de Cuba—remains intact in its original wrapping and is presented in a contemporary felt-lined, glass-fronted mahogany display case.
Churchill’s well-documented enthusiasm for animals extended to an especially keen interest in fishkeeping. At Chartwell, he maintained ponds stocked with goldfish and golden orfe, and later, upon returning to office in 1951, installed multiple aquariums at Chequers. This letter vividly illustrates the statesman's passion, revealing a lighter, more personal dimension at the height of his post-war leadership and enduring partnership with the United States.
R. J. Whitwell operated a successful tropical fish business in West Bergholt from 1945, supplying both private and commercial clients, and evidently advising Churchill directly.
Provenance:
By family descent from R. J. Whitwell, accompanied by a signed letter from his nephew recounting Whitwell’s visit to Chartwell, where he was hosted overnight by Churchill and presented with the cigar “to smoke on the way home,” which he instead preserved. The present letter followed shortly thereafter, relating to a subsequent order of fish.
CHURCHILL, Sir Winston S. (1874–1965)
Typed Letter Signed, with Presentation Cigar
Chartwell, Westerham, Kent, 8 August 1951
A highly engaging and intimate letter from Sir Winston Churchill, offering a rare glimpse into his private life at Chartwell, accompanied by an exceptional associated relic.
Typed letter signed (“Winston S. Churchill”), two pages, 4to, on Chartwell headed paper, dated August 1951, the typed date amended in Churchill’s hand with a manuscript “8”. The letter is addressed to R. J. Whitwell, a tropical fish breeder, and thanks him for a recent delivery of exotic fish, while discussing, in charming and unexpectedly domestic detail, their behaviour and care:
“The Siamese Fighters, Golly and Cleopatra, both had three days together, but she remained coy… I have therefore returned them to their separate apartments and will have another try soon.”
Churchill continues with practical inquiries regarding water conditions and notes, with characteristic humour, the rapid breeding of his fish:
“The Black Mollies are breeding at so great a rate… we shall soon have to move out on to the lawn.”
The letter also reflects Churchill’s sense of propriety, urging Whitwell to invoice him for the fish supplied. The text features a small manuscript correction by Churchill, amending a typed error in “Siamese”.
Accompanied by an unsmoked cigar personally given by Churchill to Whitwell during a visit to Chartwell, retained by the latter as a memento. The cigar—one of Churchill’s favoured La Aroma de Cuba—remains intact in its original wrapping and is presented in a contemporary felt-lined, glass-fronted mahogany display case.
Churchill’s well-documented enthusiasm for animals extended to an especially keen interest in fishkeeping. At Chartwell, he maintained ponds stocked with goldfish and golden orfe, and later, upon returning to office in 1951, installed multiple aquariums at Chequers. This letter vividly illustrates the statesman's passion, revealing a lighter, more personal dimension at the height of his post-war leadership and enduring partnership with the United States.
R. J. Whitwell operated a successful tropical fish business in West Bergholt from 1945, supplying both private and commercial clients, and evidently advising Churchill directly.
Provenance:
By family descent from R. J. Whitwell, accompanied by a signed letter from his nephew recounting Whitwell’s visit to Chartwell, where he was hosted overnight by Churchill and presented with the cigar “to smoke on the way home,” which he instead preserved. The present letter followed shortly thereafter, relating to a subsequent order of fish.
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