Christies Modern British Art Evening Sale on March 1 realised a new world auction record for Sir Winston Churchills Tower of the Koutoubia Mosque (1943) selling for $11,590,715, which was offered from the Jolie family collection. The painting is the only work that Churchill created during the Second World War, executing the painting in Marrakech following the Casablanca Conference in January of 1943. Churchill invited Franklin D. Roosevelt to join him in Marrakech the day after the conference concluded, motivated by his desire to share the views of the city and the light at sunset, which he revered, with Roosevelt. The view impressed Roosevelt so much that Churchill decided to capture the scene for him as a memento of their excursion. This act was widely seen not only as an indication of their friendship but of the special relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States. It was gifted to FDR. Sir Winston Churchill began painting scenes of Morocco after being encouraged to visit the country by his painting tutor, Sir John Lavery. Upon his first visit in 1935, he felt that the light and scenery were unrivalled, creating about 45 paintings of the country. To learn more, visit www.christies.com.