大象传媒

Like many Sussex villages, Balcombe lost many men to the Great War but it has its own unique way of commemorating them. The village hall contains a painted mural of soldiers commissioned by Lady Trudy Denman, who also founded the Women's Land Army.

All around the walls of the Victory Hall, which was opened in 1923, are murals painted by Neville Lytton; a local artist and friend of Lady Denman. They depict World War One in graphic realism including a gas attack as well as an evocative section of the English countryside at peace.

Lord Lytton, who was himself wounded twice in the trenches, learnt the difficult fresco technique which incorporates paint into the plaster, to emulate the masters. He also depicts himself playing a flute, family and friends in the peace scene including his great life-time French friend, Charles Geoffroy-Dechaume, whose son and grandson are amongst descendants who have visited.

Sara Parker was shown the murals by Joan Dutton and Paul Gordon of the Balcombe History Society and interviewed Geoffroy Dechaume鈥檚 grandson Esme Howard and Lady Denman鈥檚 granddaughter, Penelope Greenwood about their memories of their grandparents.

Location: Balcombe, West Sussex RH17 6JZ
Image: The painted mural at the village hall

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