The Court of Appeal's judgment in this case reads like the script of a great art-crime movie, writes freelance journalist Angus Smith.
Art dealer Peter Gant
Art dealer Peter Stanley Gant and art conservator Mohamed Aman Siddique were found guilty by a jury of forging and selling Brett Whiteley paintings to the value of $3.6 million in May 2016. But last month -- in an extraordinary reversal of fortunes -- the pair’s convictions were quashed on appeal, when the Crown conceded that the jury’s verdict was likely to be "unsafe", bringing to an end a fascinating and episodic courtroom drama.
A jury’s verdict overturned, a Crown case in shambles and two men convicted of forging and selling Brett Whiteley paintings set free. There is a book in the works, and no doubt a movie will follow - freelance journalist Angus Smith explains what went wrong.
Are the ‘fake’ Brett Whiteleys genuine after all?
A jury found an art conservator and an art dealer guilty of forging Brett Whiteley paintings. But the judge in the case seems to think they might be genuine after all. Freelance journalist Angus Smith reports.
‘It’s a hoax’: Banksy’s publicist denounces Hosier Lane artwork
The fresh Banksy on Hosier Lane is "blatant publicity" for an unauthorised show, according to the artist's publicist.
To paint is human: why painting will never die
Critic and painters stoush. People will paint on regardless.
Sentencing delayed over Whiteley forgeries
Two men have been found guilty of selling fake Brett Whiteley paintings, but their sentencing has been thrown into upheaval by an 11th-hour compensation bid. Freelance journalist Angus Smith reports.
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