Artist defends Churchill video at National Portrait Gallery after being accused of ‘barefaced lie’

Artist Helen Cammock defended her 40-minute moving image artwork, "Persistence," on June 16, 2026, following accusations of a "barefaced lie" regarding Winston Churchill's role in the 1943 Bengal famine. Cammock stated her intention was to foster "dialogue" about historical figures displayed at the National Portrait Gallery. The artwork, which has been a focal point of controversy, explores Churchill's actions during the famine. Cammock, a Turner prize winner, also works as a social worker and has previously been nominated for the Turner Prize in 2019. The controversy highlights ongoing discussions about the historical legacies of prominent figures and their representation in public institutions. The National Portrait Gallery has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the specific accusations against Cammock's work.