Sotheby's anticipated Daughter of History: Mary Soames and the Legacy of Churchill auction was met with strong bids in London last night, totalling ?�15.4m ($24.1m).

Churchill was a keen artist for his entire life, using it to overcome spells of depression

The sale was dominated by Churchill's artwork; the British prime minister was a keen artist throughout his life. Leading bids was The Goldfish Pool at Chartwell, a tranquil scene from his famous country home, which sold 193.7% above its ?�600,000 high estimate at ?�1.7m ($2.6m).

A portrait of Churchill wearing a siren suit by Sir Oswald Birley made an impressive 851% increase on its ?�150,000 high estimate to sell for ?�1.4m ($2.1m).

Among the career memorabilia in the sale, a jug known as "the War Cabinet jug" was a highlight.

Gifted to Churchill on his birthday in 1942, it is inscribed: "Egypt 1942 / To Winston / from / his colleagues in the / War Cabinet / 30th November 1942".

Egypt 1942 refers to the Battle of Alamein, the first major victory for the Allies in the North African Campaign and a turning point in the second world war.

Estimated at just ?�4,000-6,000, the jug soared to an outstanding ?�278,500 ($437,320).

One of the most anticipated lots was Churchill's despatch box No.07, which he used as secretary of state for the colonies between February 1921 and October 1922.

Valued at ?�5,000-7,000, the box saw heated bidding, selling for ?�158,500 ($248,888) - up 2,164%.

The distinctive red despatch boxes are used to carry important royal and government document, and have been in use since around 1840. William Gladstone's box is still used by the chancellor of the exchequer today, and is waved around on Budget Day each year.

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