Posters celebrating the effort of Britain and its allies in the Second World War have become familiar images in Western popular culture. But how was the war reported from the perspective of the other side?
20 January 2022
THE CHURCHILL OCTOPUS
c.1941, a Vichy France World War II propaganda poster
£4,000-5,000
Our Out of the Ordinary sale on 15-16 February includes a chromolithograph propaganda poster published in occupied Paris by the Vichy government in 1942.
Signed with a monogram of the artist ‘SPK’, it depicts Winston Churchill as an octopus with its tentacles representing British military intervention in the Middle East and Africa.
The text reads Confiance... Ses Amputations Se Poursuivent Methodiquement (Have Faith – The Systematic Amputations Are Continuing).
The desire was to spotlight the areas of conflict that existed between Vichy French forces and the British and the Free French. The cutting of these tentacles reflects the thwarting of British actions in Norway, Germany, Syria, Somalia, Libya, Mers el Kebir and Dakar by Axis forces.
This well known but rare image is guided at £4,000-5,000.
Celebrated artist John Emms is best known for his masterful depictions of hounds and terriers. We are delighted to offer his painting 'Two greyhounds' in our 28 May Old Master, British & European Art auction.
8 May 2025
An architect of social imagination; Frederick Soulacroix (1858–1933) crafted images that reflected the aspirations and anxieties of a rapidly changing world, exploring cultural ideals and social class. A selection of these exquisite paintings will be offered in our 28 May Old Master, British & European Art auction.
6 May 2025
We are delighted to support the St Mary’s Church Restoration Appeal with a special valuation day on Saturday, 5 July 2025. Our team will be available to help you uncover the value of your items, all while raising vital funds for the church’s restoration efforts.
1 May 2025