Reg Walters

An Artist at War

The exhibition is located on the ground floor of the Atlas Building during Museum of Perth opening hours.

Museum of Perth
8-10 The Esplanade, Perth
WA, 6000 Australia
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Welcome to the exhibition debut of the Reg Walters Collection  

For the first time the Walters family has located all of Reg's works to be displayed for the public to attain a unique view of the life of the men at war. Reg had the uncommon position of war artist, to offer impressions of the world around him and to work toward improving moral of the men who's daily experiences ranged from tiresome to mortifying.

Initially Reg begrudged his title and position, desiring to put his life on the line alongside the other soldiers. This view of battle was sharply changed as he felt his friends body crumple lifeless beside him as he was shot through the arm and heart on a pleasant tranquil day that suddenly turned fatal. After such a life changing moment Reg no longer perused life on the front lines and grew a greater respect for the moral boosts that the soldiers so desperately needed to face the harsh realities before them.

This exhibition offers humour, heartbreak and a rare insight if what life was like during the Palestinian War for our men at arms. Brought to life through originals and reproductions of his work, both at the time and by talented volunteers of the Museum of Perth, the expanse of his work behind the lines has now been unearthed to be officially recorded. 

Right: Egyptian Humour Postcard Series.

Chalkboards 

Reproductions of several signs Reg drew have been reproduced by Museum of Perth from small photographs of the originals. Signs show the entertainment that was brought out to the boys at the front, from dances to converts, and sometime some simple humour to bring a smile during such a dark time.

Left: Recreations of chalkboard signs and stand of photos of the original works.

Mans Memories to Man’s Memories.

Personal letters, diaries, photographs and cards from Reg to his beloved have been added to the collection to understand his thought and feeling throughout the passage of time. to A significant WWI collection, never-before-seen, comprised of Reg’s Rough Diary, personal letters, photographs, cards, drawings and other mementos of his time in the Middle East as Regimental Artist with the 10th Light Horse.   

The Reg Walters diary has been scanned and made into an audio recording with sound effects through Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) which can be heard of the official website. to Reg Walters’ diary has been transcribed and is available to the public, for the first time, on the website artistatwar.com. 

Left: Personal images and words in our display cases.