Original Stefan Kleczkowski Oil Painting - Mr W Raczkiewicz WW2 Poland President

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Seller: pack_man_sam ✉️ (1,892) 100%, Location: Milton Ernest, GB, Ships to: GB & many other countries, Item: 326047996779 Original Stefan Kleczkowski Oil Painting - Mr W Raczkiewicz WW2 Poland President.

Original Oil Painting by Stefan Kleczkowski dated 1947, depicting His Excellency Mr. Władysław Raczkiewicz, the Polish President in exile during WW2.

A rare opportunity, to acquire a piece of hugely historical Polish history.

The Subject:

This ORIGINAL oil on canvas, an early signed work by famed artist (Walter) Stefan Kleczkowski, is a portrait of the WW2 Polish President in exile, His Excellency Mr. Władysław Raczkiewicz. Mr Władysław Raczkiewicz passed away in 1947 which is the same year that the portrait was painted. 

Although originally buried in the United Kingdom, his body was finally repatriated to Poland in 2022 amid much fanfare, along with his fellow political figures August Zaleski and Stanislaw Ostrowski. The three men were reburied at the Mausoleum for emigree presidents in the Temple of Divine Providence in Warsaw.

Mr. Wladyslaw, along with his fellow political exiles and Sir Winston Churchill, were instrumental in the formation of the sixteen Polish RAF Squadron's at the beginning of WW2. Flying Hawker Hurricanes, two of particular note were 302 and 303 Squadrons which were heavily involved during the Battle of Britain. 303 Squadron became the most successful Fighter Command during the summer of 1940, shooting down 126 German machines in only 42 days.

On the Polish Squadrons, Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding wrote. "Had it not been for the magnificent material contributed by the Polish squadrons and their unsurpassed gallantry, I hesitate to say that the outcome of the Battle (of Britain) would have been the same."

The Artist.

The artist Stefan Kleczkowski, also a prominent Pole during WW2, went on after the war to paint many accomplished works including:

The Portico (held by the National Trust).

The Glasshouse (held by the National Trust).

Bric-a-Brac and Magnolias (held by the National Trust).

Ham Gate House (held by the National Trust).

Kleczkowski's most notable work was a sketch of the late Princess Margaret created in 1949 which he gifted to her and she kept in her personal collection until her death. I believe it was subsequently sold at Christie’s after she passed away in 2002.

More on this painting:

On the back of the frame there is a label detailing the subject matter, the artist and an address:

240 Nell Gwynn House, London, S.W.3. After much painstaking research, this address appears to have been occupied by the Kleczkowski family during the late 1940's, adding to the provenance of the art work and further linking the painting to the creator.

Dimensions:

Height: 76.5 cms.

Width: 63.5 cms.

There is a slight ‘dent’ to the canvas (please see photos) but the canvas is still fully intact.

There is no decorative external frame, the painting will be supplied as stretched canvas over the original wooden inner frame.

There is so much more to Mr. Kleczkowski and also Mr. Raczkiewicz but sadly, I am afraid I'm no expert. If the history and background of the two men is important to you, may I kindly request that you do your own research for complete peace of mind.

This item is vintage and comes with a history, so will have wear commensurate to its age. The listing is done to the best of my knowledge so please do take care to read the description and look at all the photos for clarification of the style and condition of this piece and if you have any questions or would like additional pictures, kindly message me.

Delivery will be by a tracked & signed for service (courier). Scottish Highlands, Outer Islands and Northern Ireland have been excluded from the shipping list so please message me if you live in those areas because the rates will be higher than those shown.

Thank you for looking.



  • Condition: Used
  • Unit of Sale: Single Piece
  • Artist: Stefan Kleczkowski
  • Signed By: Kleckowski
  • Size: Medium
  • Signed: Yes
  • Period: Post-War (1940-1970)
  • Material: Canvas
  • Region of Origin: United Kingdom
  • Framing: Unframed
  • Subject: His Excellency Mr. Władysław Raczkiewicz
  • Type: Painting
  • Year of Production: 1947
  • Original/Licensed Reproduction: Original
  • Item Height: 76.5 cm
  • Style: Portraiture
  • Theme: Portrait
  • Features: One of a Kind (OOAK)
  • Production Technique: Oil Painting
  • Country/Region of Manufacture: United Kingdom
  • Culture: Polish
  • Item Width: 63.5 cm
  • Handmade: Yes
  • Time Period Produced: 1925-1949

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