The portraits, dating back to the late 1800s and more than 2.5 meters high, depict seven notable mayors, including Collard Smith, William Little, John Noble Wilson, Richard Greenwood Middleton, Henry Francis Elliot and C.C Shoppee.

The paintings were hung in the reception room of the town hall yesterday. 

City of Ballarat portfolio councillor for destination and economy Samantha McIntosh said it was fitting the paintings returned to the town hall. 

“These impressive, larger-than-life portraits, which are all still in their original frames, will add to the grandeur of the town hall and further enhance the feel of the bygone era,” Cr McIntosh said.

Cr McIntosh said it was important all residents and visitors to Ballarat Heritage Weekend visited the town hall to see the portraits.

“Not only will you be able to enjoy a range of activities and displays but you will also be able to appreciate these wonderful pieces of our history in real life,” she said. 

Kicking off today, Ballarat Heritage Weekend 2013 will explore the history of the town, with a focus on “stories of entertainment”.

Through a range of free displays, activities, performances and tours, visitors can reminisce about the theatre, film, radio, music and storytelling of old. 

Included in the line-up is a double decker bus tour of the city, tours through Her Majesty’s and interviews with figures from Australian show business.

patrick.byrne@fairfaxmedia.com.au