Auction of rare photos of Winston Churchill on yacht off Isle of Wight

See some of the photos in the collection, above

The album, dating from the early 1900s, captures the British leader in candid moments, enjoying time at sea with his wife, Clementine, on the yacht Oceana.

It is expected to fetch between £600 and £800 at Charles Miller Ltd’s auction house in London on Tuesday, November 12.

Winston Churchill, cigar in mouth, relaxing on the Oceana yacht off Cowes (Image: charlesmillerltd) The album holds around 125 personal photographs believed to have been taken by a member of the family of Gilbert A. Tonge, who owned Oceana from 1894 to 1919.

A prominent member of the Royal Thames Yacht Club, Tonge had ties to high-ranking figures in government and industry, making Churchill a likely guest.

One image shows Churchill at the helm, cigar in mouth, while another captures him relaxed on deck with his wife.

Maritime Memorabilia Specialist Charles Miller said: “This album is a rare find. Not only does it provide a snapshot into the life of Churchill at the time, but unusually, it contains images of people actually working on the yacht as well as images of the luxurious interior, which is fully panelled and fitted to a very high spec.”

In addition to Churchill, the album includes photos of noted figures like tea magnate Thomas Lipton.

Adding to the album’s intrigue are its vivid backdrops, featuring passing paddle steamers, warships and even a woman steering a steam launch while wearing a grand hat. 

One notable image even shows a gramophone set up in a tent on deck.

Originally discovered unidentified in a Norfolk saleroom, the album has since been recognised as a valuable historical artefact.