May 23, 2026

The World of Churchill Collectables

by Brian Krapf

Winston Churchill became Prime Minister on 10 May 1940, leading a new wartime coalition government. This lovely plate by Crown Ducal was made early in his premiership. The now iconic image featured in the middle was taken on 20 November 1940, by the esteemed photographer, Cecil Beaton. At the time, Beaton worked as a photographer for the Ministry of Information. When he arrived at Number 10 Downing Street, he found Churchill seated in his chair in the Cabinet Room. Beaton was only allowed five minutes of the Prime Minister’s time. He described Churchill as a “grumpy but obliging sitter.”

The “Fighting Premier” caption on this plate was publicly used to describe Churchill during the 1940’s and arose early-on from his wartime speeches and leadership style. For example, on 13 May 1940, Churchill delivered his “Blood, Toil, Tears and Sweat” speech, in which he declared his intent to wage war against a “monstrous tyranny,” with “victory at all costs.” This speech solidified his role as a wartime leader and inspired resilience amongst the British people. The following month, on 4 June 1940, Churchill delivered his “Beaches” speech, which rallied the nation after the Dunkirk evacuation. He vowed to never surrender and promised to defend Great Britain at all costs, in all ways.

Crown Ducal made a wise decision to utilize this photo of Churchill on their early commemorative. Taken at the height of the Blitz, it came to stand as a symbol of defiance and support for the “Fighting Premier.” Churchill himself chose this photograph as the frontispiece for Into Battle, the first volume of his collected war speeches published in 1941.