Sculptor Jethro Crabb has created an extraordinarily lifelike bust of Winston Churchill as part of a major new exhibition on the 'greatest Briton', which is set to open at his birthplace Blenheim Palace later this year. 

Initially made from clay, the completed bust will then be covered in silicon to form a mould, which will be filled with wax to create the finished waxwork head. 

Individual hairs will then be inserted, and the face carefully coloured to match before the lifesize figure is assembled.

Prior to working on private commissions, Jethro spent eight years at Madame Tussauds, sculpting many famous faces and travelling the world to meet and measure celebrities.

In addition to Churchill, the Surrey Hills-based artist is also completing a waxwork figure of US President Joe Biden for the National Presidential Waxwork Museum in America, and is responsible for many of the puppets for the new Spitting Image show.

“What interests me about the people I sculpt is that everyone is completely individual and capturing what it is about someone that makes them look that way can be a very meditative experience, almost getting lost in the forms and the shapes you're sculpting,” said Jethro.

In order to make the completed figure as authentic looking as possible, designers are working with Churchill's original tailor, hat and shoemakers to create bespoke clothing to the great man's own measurements.

Once finished, the figure will take pride of place in a new exhibition dedicated to Churchill's life at his beloved birthplace, Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire.

Utilising a mix of historic artefacts and new technology, much of the exhibition will be located in an area of the Palace used as an artist's studio by the wartime leader.

Churchill returned to Blenheim often throughout his long life; attending parties, painting and spending time with his cousin and close friend 'Sunny', 9th Duke of Marlborough.

As well as being his birthplace, it's where he decided to propose to his beloved wife Clementine. Blenheim Palace was also one of his favourite places to relax, and its rich military history provided huge inspiration for Churchill's own career.

The new attraction is being designed and built by ME&C Creative, whose clients include the Mary Rose Museum, London Zoo and Legoland.

It is one of a series of exciting new features set to open at the Oxfordshire UNESCO World Heritage Site later this year as part of a £1.9m investment programme.

In addition to the Churchill exhibition, Blenheim is creating an immersive and interactive experience, in the Palace's historic stable block to showcase the importance of horses at Blenheim down through the centuries.

An art-themed restaurant and café is being constructed as part of the new attractions, which will feature a touchless ordering app.

Issued on behalf of Blenheim Palace. For more information please contact Samantha Vaughan on 07469 129743 or SVaughan@blenheimpalace.com

About Blenheim Palace

Home to the Dukes of Marlborough since 1705, Blenheim Palace was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

Set in over 2,000 acres of 'Capability' Brown landscaped parkland and designed by Vanbrugh in the Baroque style, it was financed by Queen Anne, on behalf of a grateful nation, following the first Duke of Marlborough's triumph over the French in the War of the Spanish Succession.