Macclesfield vet’s mural marks the end of WW1

Local Army veteran, Walt Freudenau, has channelled his artistic skills to complete a stunning mural honouring those that fought and lost their lives during the First World War.

After a chance meeting with his former employer Tim Pinder, chief executive of Peaks & Plains Housing Trust, the pair discussed Walt’s art and the possibility of using the hoardings behind Macclesfield’s cenotaph on Park Green for a commemorative mural.

“Tim told me about the boards and that he wanted a tribute, so I jumped at the chance. I’m an ex-serviceman and I have a passion for it – I attend a lot of the parades,” Walt explained.

The 60-year-old father-of-two – whose son, Callum, is currently serving in the Queen’s Royal Hussars – suffered from PTSD after his years of service from 1976 to 1982. As part of his therapy, Walt rediscovered his love and a natural talent for painting and art.

Walt Freudena’s mural features the iconic Tommy silhouette against a colourful sunset next to text from Robert Binyon’s 1914 poem, For the Fallen. Both images ⓒ Michael Steff

The mural features the iconic Tommy silhouette against a colourful sunset next to text from Robert Binyon’s 1914 poem, For the Fallen. The piece also includes two bi-planes to mark the 100-year anniversary of the RAF.

Walt continued: “It’s been very, very therapeutic. There have been lots of ex-service people and veterans chatting to me and they’re absolutely delighted. I’ve been very humbled by the responses from people – I’ve even had people in tears.”

Tim added: “We are truly delighted with the result of Walt’s hard work and in awe of his creative flair. Seeing how the community has engaged with him and contributed to completing the mural together is a true testament to the strength of the local spirit in Macclesfield. What’s more, we are now privileged to have a unique piece of artwork framing the site where we will build 67 apartments for sale and rent. We hope it will be enjoyed by all and are extremely grateful to Walt for all of his efforts.”

The mural has been completed ahead of Remembrance Sunday 11^th November to commemorate the centenary of the end of the Great War.

Peaks & Plains is also looking to work with more local artists over the coming months to cover the remaining sections of the hoardings with unique works of art that the whole community can enjoy. Interested artists should email ask@peaksplains.org for more information.