David Coombs
Encyclopedia
David Coombs is an author and historian. Former editor of the Antique Collector's magazine, he was a columnist for the UK's authoritative weekly trade paper, Antiques Gazette http://www.perseusbooksgroup.com/runningpress/author_detail.jsp?id=1000020117.
Coombs is best known for his work about Sir Winston Churchill
's art work, publishing two books on the subject, one in 1967 and the latter in 2003.
His catalogue which brings together all of Churchill's 500 or so paintings and 2 sculptures is regarded as the definitive work on Churchill's artistic heritage. Each piece has been given a number prefixed with the letter C for Coombs. This catalogue also exist in the form of a digital archive of the paintings.
David Coombs was also a beloved teacher for a number of years at the Westlake School for Girls, and when the school merged with Harvard School for Boys, he remained to teach at Harvard-Westlake. During his tenure at Harvard-Westlake, he taught Ancient and Medieval European History, English, and also became the Director of the Summer School Program. He is affectionately remembered for teaching all of his History students a poem which lists all the Kings and Queens of England, starting from William I in 1066 to the current Queen, Elizabeth II.
Since his retirement from Harvard-Westlake in 2008, he now enjoys giving lectures around the world and also publishes his online magazine Art Newsletter from his home in Surrey
, UK. He also remains active a fellow of the RSA, a trustee of the Sir John Soane museum and of his local museum in Godalming.
Coombs is best known for his work about Sir Winston Churchill
Winston Churchill
Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill, was a predominantly Conservative British politician and statesman known for his leadership of the United Kingdom during the Second World War. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest wartime leaders of the century and served as Prime Minister twice...
's art work, publishing two books on the subject, one in 1967 and the latter in 2003.
His catalogue which brings together all of Churchill's 500 or so paintings and 2 sculptures is regarded as the definitive work on Churchill's artistic heritage. Each piece has been given a number prefixed with the letter C for Coombs. This catalogue also exist in the form of a digital archive of the paintings.
David Coombs was also a beloved teacher for a number of years at the Westlake School for Girls, and when the school merged with Harvard School for Boys, he remained to teach at Harvard-Westlake. During his tenure at Harvard-Westlake, he taught Ancient and Medieval European History, English, and also became the Director of the Summer School Program. He is affectionately remembered for teaching all of his History students a poem which lists all the Kings and Queens of England, starting from William I in 1066 to the current Queen, Elizabeth II.
Since his retirement from Harvard-Westlake in 2008, he now enjoys giving lectures around the world and also publishes his online magazine Art Newsletter from his home in Surrey
Surrey
Surrey is a county in the South East of England and is one of the Home Counties. The county borders Greater London, Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Hampshire and Berkshire. The historic county town is Guildford. Surrey County Council sits at Kingston upon Thames, although this has been part of...
, UK. He also remains active a fellow of the RSA, a trustee of the Sir John Soane museum and of his local museum in Godalming.