But Humpty Dumpty has yet to be put back together again with the collection, while the cupboard is still bare without Old Mother Hubbard.

The collection of nursery rhyme paintings, by 1920s artists the Henderson brothers, were given back to CAFS on Monday after a 50-year loan to Ballarat Health Services.

But two paintings are still missing, with CAFS chief executive officer Allan Joy asking for anyone who knows their whereabouts to contact them. “We welcome the gift from Ballarat Health Services,” Mr Joy said. “These artworks have great significance for past residents.

“CAFS would welcome any information regarding another two paintings – watercolours of Humpty Dumpty and one of Old Mother Hubbard which are the last pieces of the collection.

“It would be fantastic to put them together again.”

The paintings were donated to the Ballarat Orphanage when the Kenny Memorial Toddlers Block was built. BHS chief executive officer Andrew Rowe said seven paintings were then loaned to the base hospital children’s ward when the block closed in 1965.

But with the hospital undergoing a major renovation and CAFS building its new Legacy Centre, both organisations saw a chance to strengthen their long-standing ties.

“We are delighted to re-gift the collection of paintings to CAFS for past residents of the orphanage and the local community to enjoy for years to come,” Mr Rowe said.