Hundreds of artworks made by Nyungar children – who were stolen and detained at the Carrolup Native Settlement in Western Australia in the 1940s – have been missing for more than 60 years. 

But the search is on to recover the treasured artworks and have them repatriated back to Nyungar Country where they belong. 

Taken overseas for various exhibitions in the 1950s, the children’s artworks have since spread across the globe and only a handful have been found. 

People from all around the world, especially those in the UK, are being urged to check their homes and art collections in the hope more of the precious heirlooms can be safely returned. 

John Curtin Gallery Carrolup manager Kathleen Toomath is the daughter of the late Alma Toomath (nee Cuttabutt), the last-known surviving Carrolup artist.