Fake or Fortune

Season 12

Episode 1: Mondrian
Is a painting of flowers really by one of the pioneers of abstract art, Piet Mondrian?

Fiona Bruce and Philip Mould investigate a charming little white flower picture, purported to be by one of the most important abstract artists of the 20th century, Piet Mondrian. Its owner believes it to be genuine. However, the painting was turned down by the Mondrian authentication committee, so the team will have to find new evidence to help persuade them to change their mind.

Episode 2: Helen McNicoll
Could a painting of women working in a field be a valuable lost work by Helen McNicoll?

Fiona Bruce and Philip Mould investigate a picturesque outdoor scene of women in a field sold at auction in England in the ‘style of’ Helen McNicoll, one of Canada’s most important impressionist painters. The picture was bought at auction for £2,000, but it could be worth more than £300,000, if genuine. Scientific analysis reveals matching canvas weaves and pigment, strengthening the case.

Episode 3: Music Memorabilia
Could a piano linked to John Lennon and a guitar connected to Ronnie Wood be real?

The team take on an entertaining new challenge when they plunge into the fast-growing market for rock music memorabilia. Can they prove that a curious silver guitar once belonged to Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones? While a baby grand piano, now owned by 90s pop star Chesney Hawkes, is thought to have once belonged to John Lennon of The Beatles. But can the connection be proved?

Episode 4: Corot
Could a landscape painting be by Corot, one of the forefathers of impressionism?

Fiona Bruce and Philip Mould investigate a lovely landscape painting, purported to be by one of the forefathers of impressionism, Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot. Itsowner, Sally Green’s late husband, bought it in the late 1970s, primarily for the impressive frame. He was always intrigued by the painting and wondered if it was genuine. Sally is now on a mission to finish what he started.

Season 11

Episode 1: Ben Nicholson
Could a wall painting in a Surrey cottage be the work of British modernist Ben Nicholson?

When Ian and Julie moved into their Surrey cottage nearly 20 years ago, they discovered a curious wall painting in one of the bedrooms. They were planning to paint over it, when a neighbor told them famous British abstract artist Ben Nicholson stayed at the cottage and could have created it. If the team can prove the painting is genuine, it could be worth £200,000, if they can safely remove it.

Episode 2: Modigliani
Can the team prove a sketch is by one of the world’s most valuable artists, Modigliani?

Fiona Bruce and Philip Mould investigate a delicate sketch depicting a mother andchild, purported to be by one of the modern art world’s most famous names, Amedeo Modigliani. Its owner, Henrietta Sitwell, inherited the work and always believed it to be genuine. However, a leading auction house recently cast doubt on its authenticity. If the work is by the master, it could be worth up to £100,000.

Episode 3: Sisley
Can the team prove that a charming landscape is by the great impressionist Alfred Sisley?

Fiona Bruce and Philip Mould investigate a charming little landscape purported to be by one of the founding members of the impressionist movement, the British artist Alfred Sisley. Its owners bought the work at auction near Chicago and believe it to be genuine. However, the painting was turned down by the authentication committee. If the work is real, it could be worth over £250,000.

Episode 4: Flemish Old Master
Can the team discover who painted a mysterious, epic masterpiece in a Glasgow church?

Fiona and Philip visit a church in Port Glasgow to investigate whether a mysterious work depicting Christ could be a lost masterpiece by one of the great painters of Northern Renaissance art. Art historian Ian Macdonald thought there was something special about the painting, but he died in 2021. In one of their toughest investigations, they try to find the answers Ian was looking for.