Painted by Aland Watts, the work has been painstakingly restored by Morpeth art ­conserver Duncan Harty and presented to the Maitland Historical Society.

In 1877, Lewis Morris founded the Lewis Morris Aerated Water and Cordial Factory in Bulwer Street, West Maitland, but aside from being an astute businessman it also appears Mr Morris had a heart of gold.

“I didn’t know my grandfather but my mother, over the years, told me he was always helping those less fortunate,” Mr Morris’ granddaughter Judith Carmody said.

This included Mr Watts, also affectionately known as “Watto”.

“Mr Watts’ uncle was an artist from the Royal College of London and Watto also studied there for some time before ­coming to Australia,” Mrs Carmody said.

“He lived in a room downstairs where he produced some of the most wonderful paintings. 

“Living next door I was ­familiar with all the paintings in the house and they were absolutely beautiful.

“Our grandfather was so kind to destitute people and Watto was one of them. It was an example of the generosity of a bygone era.”