Renowned sculptor Jethro Crabb is creating a life-size waxwork of Winston Churchill as part of a major new exhibition on the wartime leader.

Once finished, the figure will take pride of place in the new Blenheim Palace showcase about the wartime leader's life, which is set to open in May.

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Mr Crabb, who has worked for Madame Tussauds in London, said: "Assembling the figure, hyper-realistic wax portrait and hands and dressing it in the appropriate clothes is the moment when everything comes together for the first time.

Sculptor Jethro Crabb with the wax bust of Churchill Picture: Mino Milanovic

Sculptor Jethro Crabb with the wax bust of Churchill Picture: Mino Milanovic

“It is my aim to create a figure so realistic that there is moment when it gives the illusion that it might almost come alive.”

Initially carved out of clay, the head is then covered in silicone to make a mould, which is filled with a special formula of wax.

As well as being Churchill’s birthplace, Blenheim is also where he proposed to his wife Clementine.

A close-up of a new waxwork of Winston Churchill Picture: Mino Milanovic

A close-up of a new waxwork of Winston Churchill Picture: Mino Milanovic

In addition to Churchill, the Surrey Hills-based artist has created waxwork figures of US President Joe Biden and Donald Trump for the National Presidential Waxwork Museum in America.

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In order to make the completed figure as authentic as possible, designers are working with Churchill’s original tailor, hat, glasses and shoemakers to create bespoke items made to his own measurements.

The waxwork is part of the new attraction that is being designed and built by ME&C Creative. It is one of a series of new features set to open at later this year as part of a £1.9m investment programme.

Sculptor Jethro Crabb working in his studio on the Churchill waxwork Picture: Mino Milanovic

Sculptor Jethro Crabb working in his studio on the Churchill waxwork Picture: Mino Milanovic

In addition to the Churchill exhibition, Blenheim is creating an interactive experience, in the palace’s stable block to highlight the importance of horses at Blenheim through the centuries.

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An art-themed restaurant and café is being constructed as part of the new attractions.