A misunderstood bronze bust of Winston Churchill has a storied past in the same vein of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants: a special relationship, a beloved object, some serious DRAMA and a lengthy road trip along a circuitous path that eventually leads home ― in this case, the White House. And the friendships? Presidents, U.K. government officials and a number of behind-the-scenes staffers covered in packaging tape and with a serious case of postal whiplash. Ready to follow the object's lengthy odyssey?
The Odyssey of Churchill's White House Bust
Sculpted by Sir Jacob Epstein in 1947, the bust arrived at the White House on loan from the British Embassy during George W. Bush's presidency after 9/11. The message: Remain resilient like Churchill. The unexpected result: The object soon would become an icon for weary travelers everywhere (or their lost luggage).
When President Obama arrived at the White House, he arranged for the return of all objects belonging to Bush, as is custom during all presidential transitions. This "removal" was misreported in essentially teen-girl dramatic terms, almost like "the president SO hates Churchill." On the contrary, according to White House officials. Read the full story here, and take note that the bust arrived safely back to the British Embassy for an eight-year respite.
Then the bust returned to the Oval Office during Donald Trump's first presidency.
Then the bust (finally?) returned to the Oval Office after President Donald Trump arrived at the White House In January 2025.
Confused but still curious? No worries! An exact replica of the "traveling" bust can be found at America's National Churchill Museum! Meanwhile, learn more here.