Churchill's wartime suit is auctioned

Churchill designed the suit for use in the bunker

A sculptor's studio near Oxford is to be restored thanks to Winston Churchill's suit.

His famous siren suit is being sold at Sotheby's to fund the refurbishment of the studio of the famous sculptor, Oscar Nemon.

Churchill wore the suit during sittings for the sculptor in the 1950s and later gave it to him as a keepsake.

After Nemon's death in 1985 it was passed to his son and then his daughter-in-law, who is now selling it to fund the restoration.

Generous waistline

The all-in-one boiler suit is made of pinstriped grey wool - Churchill designed it himself so he would be comfortable during the long hours he spent in his wartime bunker in London.

It is still moulded to the shape of his generous waistline and it has never been cleaned.

Dr Alice Nemon-Stuart is hoping it will make about £25,000 at auction.

It is going under the hammer at Sotheby's next month along with a half smoked cigar and other Churchill memorabilia.