Graham Vivian Sutherland, a renowned British artist, created an official portrait of Sir Winston Churchill, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. However, this portrait was famously destroyed by Churchill's wife, Lady Clementine Churchill, because she detested the depiction of her husband. The portrait, which was commissioned by the British Parliament in 1954 to celebrate Churchill's 80th birthday, was not well-received by the subject himself. Churchill reportedly described the painting as "a remarkable example of modern art" and refused to unveil it in the House of Commons. Lady Churchill shared her husband's sentiment and took matters into her own hands by destroying the portrait. The destruction of Sutherland's portrait of Churchill sparked controversy and debate within the art world and the general public. Some viewed Lady Churchill's actions as a disrespectful disregard for the artist's work, while others defended her right to reject a portrait that did not accurately reflect her husband's likeness. Despite the destruction of the original portrait, several studies and sketches of Churchill by Sutherland still exist today, providing a glimpse into the artist's creative process and the controversial nature of his work. For more information on Graham Vivian Sutherland and his portrait of Sir Winston Churchill, you can visit the following websites: - [Tate Gallery](https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artists/graham-sutherland-1988) - [Churchill War Rooms](https://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/churchill-war-rooms) - [National Portrait Gallery](https://www.npg.org.uk/) In conclusion, Graham Vivian Sutherland's official portrait of Sir Winston Churchill remains a memorable and contentious piece of art history, thanks to Lady Clementine Churchill's decision to destroy it. The incident serves as a reminder of the subjective nature of art and the power of personal interpretation in the world of portraiture.

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