Fake or Fortune

I have been watching this series although I've taped a couple and not got round to watching them yet. The last one I watched was the one about the Renoir that belonged to Picton Castle. I was almost as disappointed as Nicky Phillips was when they couldn't get it authenticated, and I think that the stranglehold that the some of these art institutions have over who can sell what is scandalous when there appears to be so much professional sour grapes involved.

I'm glued to this series! I think it's fascinating to see all the forensic tests, but so frustrating that these arty people just ignore some of the evidence.
Must confess to having a soft spot for Phillip Mould though

Yes - me too. I am enjoying it.

Although am impressed with Fiona's linguistic skills and I'm not quite in the anti- Fiona camp that I see in the TV listing magazines, I do sometimes find myself wondering what qualifies her for or the sweeping statements she makes. She seems to be a bit more than an interested bystander, does she undertake some of the historical investigations as she seems to suggest? If her contributions are a bona fide part of the story then I can understand her approach, but I do find the ambiguity a little troubling.

I am thoroughly enjoying the series. Apart from her useful language skills, Fiona is just a presenter as far as I can see. I am sure they have researchers doing all the background investigation.
I am always disappointed if a painting is not authenticated.

I particularly liked the Lowry one, it was fascinating seeing them hunting back through the TV footage and working out what was happening when. The Venetian altar piece was another good one I was as thrilled as they were when the Italian expert instantly put a name to it.