Retired accountant Mary-Louise Wedderburn was left speechless after learning that a painting she inherited from her late uncle was not only a genuine work by 18th-century Scottish artist Katherine Read but also valued at upwards of £100,000. The revelation came during the latest episode of the BBC series Fake or Fortune.
Initial doubts about the painting's authenticity
Wedderburn believed the portrait of an elegantly dressed Indian woman was by Read, a distant relative known for portraiture. However, art historian and Indian history scholar Charles Greig initially expressed skepticism. 'It doesn't look like a painting by Katherine Read,' he said upon first seeing the artwork.
The team conducted extensive research, including technical analysis by the Courtauld Institute. Wedderburn presented a dossier of evidence to Greig, hoping to change his mind. 'I'm very nervous because Charles Greig, when he first saw the painting, his reaction was, “It doesn’t look like a painting by Katherine Read.” And it does matter to me; it matters to me a lot whether or not it’s by Katherine Read,' she said.
Final verdict: genuine and historically significant
Host Fiona Bruce joined Wedderburn as Greig and art dealer Philip Mould delivered the final verdict. Greig admitted, 'This has been one of the trickiest paintings I’ve ever had to consider. I’ve read your dossier very carefully, and it’s incredibly impressive.' He concluded: 'On the basis of all the evidence put together, I am entirely certain that this painting is by Katherine Read.'
Wedderburn reacted with joy: 'Oh gosh! That’s just wonderful! Oh gosh!' The painting also holds great historical significance. Greig explained, 'The evidence from the dossier that to me was the strongest was the technical analysis done by the Courtauld. The similarity of the portrait of Helena Beatson, the pigments, the modelling of the figures, the brushwork, were very conclusive. And more so, it is the first painting of an Indian by a European woman artist that is recorded, and that in itself is extraordinarily important.'
Value and future plans for the painting
Greig noted that the subject likely belonged to the Nawabs of Arcot family in 18th-century southeastern India. 'I can’t think of another portrait of an Indian lady of this period that is actually a part of a royal court, rather than a European’s household,' he said. Mould confirmed the painting's market value: 'So therefore we’re looking at £100,000 upwards.'
Wedderburn, however, has no intention of selling. She stated, 'The sooner she is somewhere safe as well as public, then I think the better.' She hopes to place the painting in a Scottish gallery, reflecting Read's origins. 'It’s just wonderful. It’s unbelievable. Thank you so much. It’s just so important to me that it’s by Katherine Read because of the family connection but also because of who she was,' she shared.
Viewers on X praised the episode. MrHarrisKC wrote, 'I can honestly say I haven’t been so drawn in (pardon the pun) by a programme in a very long time. Well done, #BBC.' JadelynS added, 'Oh how wonderful! I hope the painting does end up in a gallery for all to see.'
