Willy Brandt Watches as the Wall is Built (August 13, 1961) Willy Brandt, who went on to become chancellor of West Germany, was mayor of West Berlin from 1957 to 1966. His resolute actions and dignified public presence during the building of the Wall made him tremendously popular among West Berliners. In this photo, Brandt observes the construction near Brandenburg Gate. Photograph by Herbert Fiebig.