Where's Waller?

About the Waller’s The story of Napier and Christian Waller is a remarkable testament to resilience, creativity and partnership. Napier Waller, born in 1893 in Penshurst, Victoria, and Christian Yandell, born in 1894 in Castlemaine, Victoria, met while studying at the National Gallery Art School and married in 1915. Napier's life took a dramatic turn during World War I, when he enlisted along with 27 other students from the National Gallery Art School. In 1917, while serving with the Field Artillery in France, he sustained severe injuries that resulted in the amputation of his right arm. As a right-handed artist, this could have ended his career. However, through determination and practice, Napier trained himself to draw and write with his left hand, demonstrating extraordinary adaptability and strength. Upon his return to Australia Christian played a crucial role in Napier's rehabilitation. Their partnership extended beyond personal support, as they collaborated artistically from their home and studio in Ivanhoe. Individually and together, they created lasting works of art, including murals, mosaics, and stained glass These serve as enduring symbols of their perseverance and talent. In 2017, a tribute to Napier Waller by Tanja, Mark, and Toby Johnston was featured in the Australian National Veterans Arts Museum's (ANVAM) inaugural March to Art exhibition. The ongoing "Where’s Waller Challenge" continues to honour the Wallers' legacy by highlighting their contributions to public art and connecting their story to the modern Veteran Community. Their work remains an inspiring reminder of how creativity and resilience can overcome even the most daunting challenges.