Shaun Greenhalgh Research Paper

Shaun Greenhalgh was a British artist who became known for his forgeries. From 1989 to 2006 the Greenhalgh family was responsible for replicating valuable pieces of ancient artwork and famous artists. Shaun Greenhalgh was the head of the forgery operation, but he was aided by his parents, Olive and George, along with his older brother, George Jr. His parents and brother played a small role in the operation. For the most part, Shaun’s parents were responsible approaching clients. George Jr. was responsible for selling the forged artwork and managing the money they received from selling the pieces. Together, the family forged and sold artwork to museums and auctions. Their business created believable replicas of expensive, ancient artwork as well as artwork that claimed to be created by
Shaun’s most known forged piece was the “Amarna Princess”, which he planned to sell the piece to the Bolton Museum. The sculpture was said to a King Tutankhamun’s granddaughter that was 3,300 years old. He said that the piece was a family heirloom that he forgot about. Shaun also forged documents that said the piece was passed down in his family. A keeper of the Bolton Museum, Angela Thomas, visited the Greenhalgh home to examine the piece, but believed it was authentic. After this examination it was purchased by the Bolton Museum. The piece was kept on display until 2006, when it was discovered to be forged. His forgery was discovered due to small flaws. It was reexamined and after a full investigation, it was said to be an obvious fake. The main flaws that made it an obvious fake were size inconsistencies and a misspelling. This piece is his most known because due to the discovery that the “Amarna Princess” was counterfeit, he was exposed to the world as a forgery artist. “The Meeting House” was a forged L.S. Lowry painting. Shaun said that his family has possession of this painting because it was given to his mother as a gift for her 21st birthday. Shaun enhanced his lie by