Tribute to Harold Thomas Bell – Silo Art by Julian Clavijo and Camilo Delgado in Walpeup, Australia

January 30, 2024

By Vidar

Muralists Julian Clavijo and Camilo Delgado

By Julian Clavijo (PACHI) and Camilo Delgado in Walpeup, Australia.

About the mural: This Silo Mural pays tribute to Harold Thomas Bell, a local boy from Walpeup, a little town in the north west part of Victoria, who became a trooper of the 4th Australian Light Horse Regiment after using his cousin’s last name, Wickham, to disguise his true age to enlist and fight in World War I.

This boy was shot in the leg during the Battle of Beersheba on October 31 1917 and died of his wounds the following day. He was just 16 years old. Located in the town of Walpeup on the Mallee Highway, this piece was painted on the GrainCorp silos and allows viewers to reflect, and to pay respects to the bravery and sacrifices made during the war.

This project took 5 years in the making and preparation and only took a few weeks to paint. We want to profoundly thank Mildura Regional Development Visit Mildura Region for all the efforts in managing and funding this project to make it come to life. Working with you was a pleasure. Thanks to GrainCorp for your support and providing the canvas and this video. The community of Walpeup and Ouyen for hosting us so kindly.