Sir Winston Churchill

As the Royal Sculptor, Oscar Nemon was initially commissioned by the Queen to sculpt a bronze bust of then Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill, among other sitters in the Royal family. A friendship developed between Churchill and Nemon, which resulted in a variety of artworks produced by both sculptor and sitter. Churchill sketched and sculpted portraits of his favorite artist Nemon, during frequent sittings for numerous bronzes and busts.

This monolithic bronze statue, standing watch over the square that bears his name, was donated to the City of Edmonton by the Sir Winston Churchill Society in 1989. Churchill’s likeness, facial expression and tightly clenched hands are realistically rendered in high detail. This is contrasted by the generalized shape and gestural marks that cover the majority of the monument’s surface. The larger-than-life sculpture stands on a pedestal, raising him physically and figuratively above the petty problems of everyday society. Fiercely staring into the distance, he represents inspiring and unflagging leadership in times of hardship and war.