Winston Churchill
GMP Instructor 2005, 2007
Biography
Considered by many of his peers as quite possibly the greatest American gun engraver of all time, Churchill was born on the Vermont farm where he still practices his artistry today. This farm, given to his ancestors for their service in the Revolutionary War, serves to illustrate a kind of immortality to the engraving arts which are created within its walls.
Churchill grew up artistically talented and began working on stocking rifles at an early age. Fascinated with engraving, he sought out examples of work by other engravers and eventually found employment with Joe Fugger who was with Abercrombie and Fitch in New York. It was here that Churchill learned the fine European techniques, eventually leading to more opportunities to learn additional engraving styles and techniques from other masters.
One of Churchill’s specialties is his realistic treatment of animal and bird scenes. These serve to illustrate his obsession for accuracy and detail which he is famous for. Churchill’s tasteful use of scroll work to accent the areas around an intricate game scene creates a finished piece which is a joy to behold.
