We enjoyed a most informative and stimulating evening at the German Historical Institute in Bloomsbury Square, the stylish home of John Nash and featuring notable John Adam ceilings and other decor. Greeted with welcoming drinks by the Director Professor Andreas Gestrich we then moved into the splendid Lecture Room where Professor Peter Alter – Duisburg-Essen, Oxford and Cambridge Universities, and a German expert on Churchill – took us through one of the less well-known aspects of Winston’s life. With multiple colour illustrations of his artwork Peter described in detail when, where and in what circumstances each was painted, highlighting the way Churchill found painting to be so engrossing that it could free him, for hours on end, from the great pressures and depressions that he suffered at various periods in his remarkable life; and mention was made of the considerable value of his artwork these days. There was a lively debate and we then moved on to another hour of socialising with drinks and canapés, and with further informal discussion on this and related topics. The Institute was most generous in providing all liquid refreshment, and so we thank them greatly – as we do Professor Alter whom we hope will offer us more of his insights on British and international matters in future.
Organised by David Peace and Sylvia Le Comber