The volunteers at National Trust properties are a mine of information and very friendly. When I went into the library at Greenway I was immediately struck by a frieze/mural high on the walls, so I listened and joined in with another visitor asking the volunteer about it. Apparently the house was requisitioned by the army in WW2 and the painting was done by an American soldier.
The mirror also has a tale behind it. There was a painting on the wall where it now hangs, of Churchill and Roosevelt together. When the war was over and the family were able to reclaim their home, they found the continuous gaze of the pair somewhat oppressive and painted over it!
I’m sure the mural has been restored over the years, but I’d love to know who the soldier was and if he’s still around. Any ideas from my lovely American readers about how to find out?
Lucid Gypsy 
Gilly – according to one web site (http://www.historynet.com/greenway-house-at-home-with-agatha-christie.htm), the mural was painted by Lieutenant Marshall Lee of the 10th U.S. Coast Guard flotilla.
I don’t know anything else about Lieutenant Lee, but maybe you could find out more by getting in touch with the Coast Guard – see http://www.uscg.mil/global/mail/.
Oh, my, I wish I did know how to find out. I know there are archives online concerning some of the history of the war years. We found a lot about a boat my dd was on that was struck by a kamikaze in 1943, but I don’t recall the exact site address where we found it. If I find out anything that might be helpful, I’ll let you know.
Gilly, it was the 10th U. S. Coast Guard Flotilla that was stationed there leading up to D-Day. A lieutenant Marshall Lee painted the frieze. I found this link that tells that much.
http://www.historynet.com/greenway-house-at-home-with-agatha-christie.htm
If you type in his name online and a question about his painting at Greenway, you’ll probably find more.
another wonderful story about this historic house Gilly, what a talented young man … so sad to think of artists being called up and sent to war!
I adore that you found a mystery when you visited Agatha Christie’s house!! Just how perfect is that!?!
I enjoyed this a lot. 🙂
An amazing find. It’s nice to know that there’s still art in the midst of war. Kind of remind me of the movie, The Pianist. Very nice share, Gilly.