A bold mural which weaves both the memory of the late Totnes potter, Noel Cousins, and hope for the sustainability and wellbeing of planet Earth has brightened up an “ugly” wall in the town centre.

Commissioned by Noel’s widow, Jacqui Cousins, and her partner the musician David Stanley, the Trompe l’oeil scene towers above passers-by in South Street.

It was painted by Robert Lenkiewicz protege and award-winning Totnes artist, Dan Wheatley, who was a finalist in the ‘Not the Turner Prize’ 2004.

Noel was a master potter who lived and worked at the Old Malthouse in South Street, and Dan has shown him at the wheel, with his favourite plant, wisteria, draping nearby.

Also depicted are magical trees, the sea and the sky which represent keeping the planet healthy and free from pollution.

Up in the sky floating alongside the fighter plane – another reference to Noel who was a Second World War pilot – are happy children in hot air balloons.

This part of the mural is a gentle reminder that children must be protected from the atrocities of war and the potential affects of climate change, said Dan.

Dan, a fine artist and art lecturer who was mentored by the acclaimed Plymouth-based artist, Lenkiewicz, during the latter part of his life, said: “The mural has historic references along with a symbolic reference of hope for our future generations and the wellbeing of our planet.

“We hope it is an uplifting joy for children and all to see.”

Jacqui, who bought the crumbling building with Noel in 1978, said her late husband had always wanted to paint its “ugly” exterior wall with a scene from his favourite childhood memory of flying in a hot air balloon around Biggin Hill in Kent.

Noel died at the age of 85 in 2005 still wishing he had the energy to paint the wall, and Jacqui promised to make his vision come to pass in a “happy, peaceful way.”

Jacqui, who helped found the charity WARchild, said: “Dan has achieved a realistic portrait of Noel and a mural with deeper meanings.

“Today, people talk endlessly about our ecological responsibilities for earth and sky, while we do a bit more in our compassionate town of Totnes.

“We also take action in places like Leechwell Gardens and remember Noel’s dream to rescue and cherish children.

“They are already bringing about the changes we all need. We can too, if we take the time to listen to them and begin to hear what they say.

“Meanwhile stand and admire this beautiful wall.”