Though best-known as Britain's leader during World War II, Winston Churchill was also an avid painter, which he saw as a refuge from the stress of his job. He is seen here at his easel, beside Lake Geneva.
Churchill loved to paint the Moroccan city of Marrakech. He painted his only picture during the war years on a visit there in 1943 -- a view of the city from a tower.
Churchill was instrumental in convincing his friend, the Pasha of Marrakech, to let his son become a painter. Pictured is "Les feux du Quadrige," 1980, by Hassan El Glaoui.
El Glaoui went on to become an esteemed painter. Works of his are currently on display alongside paintings of Marrakech by Churchill at Leighton House in London. Pictured is "Les trois calèches," 1969/70, by Hassan El Glaoui.
Hassan El Glaoui, seen here in his studio in Anfa, Casablanca, in 1969, was never able to meet Churchill to thank him for his help in establishing his career as an artist.
Paintings by both men now sell for considerable sums at auction. Moroccan landscape by Winston Churchill.