BBC's Fake or Fortune uncovers 'enormously important' painting worth £100,000
A long-lost 18th-century portrait by Scottish artist Katherine Read has been authenticated by the BBC's 'Fake or Fortune' program. The painting, which was inherited by a relative, is now valued at over £100,000.
Why it matters
The discovery highlights the historical marginalization of female artists and provides a significant financial windfall for the owner.
Image source, BBC Studios Image caption, Mary-Louise Wedderbern explained the painting was left to her in her uncle's will two deaces ago
An "enormously important" 18th Century painting by the Scottish artist Katherine Read has been uncovered by the BBC's Fake or Fortune.
The portrait was brought to the programme's team wrapped in a sleeping bag, and is now thought to be worth more than £100,000.
Retired accountant Mary-Louise Wedderburn explained the painting was left to her in her uncle's will two decades ago.
Wedderbern said she had always believed the portrait may have been painted by Read, a distant relative of hers who specialised in portraying women and children.
The portrait features an Indian woman in a formal pose, wearing a string of pearls, a large emerald pendant and a nose ring.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in