Much enjoyed the RML item on the bust of Abraham Lincoln. Most amusing.
One aspect of the recent transatlantic fuss which appears to have been overlooked is that Obama may simply not like the Epstein bust of WSC as a work of art. The bust is grim and lugubrious. It does not inspire the affection of the Karsh portrait or the well-known Nemon bust. We know Winston did not like the 1946 Epstein bust, much as he did not like the Sutherland 1954 portrait. In 1946 Jacob Epstein lived at 18 Hyde Park Gate, a handy arrangement for both the sculptor and the sitter. The parsimonious Labour Government no doubt thought that since Churchill lived at number 28 the sculptor would not need to charge travelling expenses… To quote from Douglas Hall’s Churchilliana: American born, Epstein had lived and worked in London for forty years but his work had often aroused violent criticism and derision. After a number of sittings Churchill became uneasy about the very rugged form the bust was taking and walked out of Epstein’s studio. The latter finished the sculpture using photographs but because of Churchill’s aversion it was not put on display until after his death. Jim Lancaster --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "ChurchillChat" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/ChurchillChat?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
