FAKE OR FORTUNE S011E01: ELIZABETH FRINK 

I’m another person in the US who can only see this series when it is loaded on You Tube. Thank you for making this very interesting program available to us.

Very happy to see a new episode of ForF on RU-vid. I'm not in UK to most grateful to the uploader. I really do hope more of the newest series are in the pipeline. This particular ForF was quite a bit different to all predecessors and I found it fascinating. Science to the rescue! While the sculpture didn't appeal to me I do appreciate that all art has it's place in the world and should be revered and celebrated.

The grey haired lady at the end (one of the ‘judges’) was fabulous. A natural! She kept us on edge till the very last moment. Another magnificent episode. Thank you for making these!

Eleven years on and this show is still fresh. Great episode. Thanks for posting!

Fiona Bruce and Philip Mould solves another one. What a great show!👍🌹❤️

I have waited (like everyone else) an entire year for this Series 11 to begin! Being in the U.S. I can only see it here. Thank you, thank you for continuing to post these for our enjoyment. As always, a great episode. Looking forward to next week.

Oh, I’m so glad to see a new episode/season of this! This one was excellent. Such an interesting research result for it!

Thank you for this video! I’m from the Philippines, and surely won’t be able to have seen this if it isn’t for this upload…Anyway, about this episode…in my opinion, Ms. Amanda’s statue is more special and valuable if the case was that Ms. Frink changed her mind with her signature to be put in front such as the 10 editions made…meaning hers is one of kind or might’ve been the first cast?

One of the best episodes yet.....Very emotive and bravo to science, always a myth buster!!

Apparently the BBC made a documentary or interview with every major UK artist in the past 80 years, as they often have footage to pull from the archives.

Even with the immutable (sorry) metallurgical test results, that sculptor friend of Ms Frink (Anne or Ann? lol) had some great and very, very plausible insights. Thank you again to MWNBH for another upload.

Bravo! A tiny tear rolled down my cheek as the verdict was announced. This small & lovingly created masterpiece of Dame Elisabeth Frink's genius mind & hand will once again be appreciated with pride of place, either in Amanda's home or on public display to be admired by all... 💪 for the Small Warrior that it is.

Among other fascinating things I discovered in this episode (mainly Dame Frink and her wonderful work) is that the name Maude is an English derivative of Magda. The things you learn on the internets...

I kept seeing that knobby bit in every photo they uncovered. I was getting frustrated that it was never pointed out as a common feature until near the end. I had anticipated their theory by then. Having signed my name multiple times on duplicate objects, I am familiar the scenario they describe. It’s like the pancake principle… the first one is always a little messed up. If this becomes the accepted explanation for the unique signature, would it make Amanda’s #1 in the series?

Thank you for posting. This is my favorite show. I’m looking forward for more.

Very happy to see more science and technology used to determine the originality of this piece, that is providing objectivity. Too many times so called experts have cast their eyes over art and combined with their existing biases and prejudices have passed incorrect judgements, that is too much subjectivity.

I absolutely love this series! Found it during COViD, then watched the backlog series before enjoying the innovative on-location segments from Phillip's home and on and on. It is an adrenalin-filled series with superb production skills (writing & linking, direction & post), well integrated anecdotes and relevant matters of context and pedigree. Of course, the travelogue destinations for research anchors the world of art and the spectrum of its global gallery. We are thankful for such a splendid, quality content series and so well presented with poise, knowledge and talent. And, being from a Colony, I too shall forward some pictures. Admittedly, I have a province but seemingly do lack providence at the ready....

Have always LOVED this show! This is now moved up to the top of my favorites list! That ending was so perfect… the utter suspense and then the Reveal!!! I almost cried myself! Just incredibly awesome! Finally too - a group of authenticaters that have common sense and a mindset that doesn’t start off closed and condescending. Bravo! I bet that this sculpture was the first one cast, what would today be called an “ARTIST PROOF” - created for the artist by the foundry to show her #1 that they could do the job she wanted done / #2 that they could do it the way she wanted it done / #3 that they could make it look the way she wanted it to look -> proving it by showing her an actual Finished Piece. Especially with it being an “early work” by her - this could have been her first time using that foundry, and she wanted to see what they could do, and if it was good enough for her to allow them to produce things with Her Name on them. As well as her having an upcoming show - with ALL those pieces on the ledger from the show - she would have been placing A Large Order, and I am sure that the foundry would have wanted her business. The Signature: I think it was exactly as the lady who knew the artist said - she was working out where she sign it. I am an artist myself (although I am a painter not a sculptor), and my opinion and practice of applying my signature to my work is: I want it in the Least Noticeable Spot possible. Truthfully, I want it to literally blend in and not be noticeable at all. My art is about the painting, not my name! In fact - my ultimate goal would be for someone to just look at my work and Instantly KNOW it’s by me without ever even needing to see a signature. A lot of the time… I think a signature actually disturbs the work. When I was in my teens (I am 51 now), I quit even using a signature… and created a SYMBOL to use instead. I would still sign the piece in the back, with the title, date, media used, etc. etc. but use the symbol on the front. NOW - in the majority of my work - I don’t even put the symbol on the front anymore… ALL the information is on the back only! The painting stands alone - as it’s own being. I created it, but -> It Isn’t Me! Why Would / Why Should It Have My Name?!?!?! To me… it would be like having a child and tattooing the mother’s and father’s name on the child’s face. So anyway… As an artist - if I were a sculptor… I would really really really want to sign the piece at the back (or even underneath it). I think that is Exactly what she was doing on this piece. Then, after seeing how it looked on the finished piece - she changed her mind about the placement, and felt that it didn’t look good and it didn’t look right or even look like her name (having to go around and up onto) the blob, so she moved it to the flattest spot which just happened to be front and center. Then - because it was an Artist Proof, OR if it was 1 of the 10 (and she didn’t like the way the signature looked) - she kept it as her own personal piece. Which also explains why she still has it a year later after all the edition had sold “OUT” and when the Documentary was filmed. It also explains perfectly why the original gallery ledger had 9 names of the buyers of an edition of 10 , but still said that they were sold “OUT”. There is no doubt in my mind (ZERO) and I would bet you that if that Documentary camera had shown the base of that sculpture - the signature would have been on the back, around the “blob”. The sculpture in that Documentary was 100% - the one she brought in that car-boot sale. I personally hope she keeps it. Although, now that it has been authenticated, it is worth A Lot of money. Plus the fact that it was the focus of an entire episode of a popular television program - I am sure that will add to it’s fame, value, and desireability! Plus it is the only one known with the signature on the back (pretty sure The Only One like that period.). So even though it is 1of10 - it’s really 1of1. So I would think (at least to me) it’s the most valuable one. Finally - I think it would be Amazing!!! if they actually got all of them together for a picture. Especially if they find the other 2, so they could have all 10 Together Again!!!

I’ve just started - I’m in Canada so I think it’s just amazing that you can find such amazing works at yard sales!! All these brilliant works of art can now be appreciated!!

I ❤ the "At 42 million..." woman.

I've been looking forward to watching this - thanks! When Fiona said she'd either got the car boot sale of a lifetime or scrap, I found myself thinking even if it isn't a Frink original, I'd pay 90 quid for a bronze statue I liked of that scale. Certainly worth me to me than its scrap value. Anyway, back to the programme to see what happens...

This is my favorite TV show. I grew up going to free art museums in Washington, DC with my mother, who is an avid art fan. There is something very endearing about seeing forgotten artworks being rediscovered and scientifically analyzed decades (or centuries) after they were first made. It's like the artist never died as long as their work is still being celebrated. I collect vintage, original artwork from much smaller American artists, though nothing of this caliber!

Thank goodness they managed to pronounce David Bowie's name correctly towards the end!

i LOVE this program. it's usually the last thing i watch at night. and i LOVED this little sculpture. even if it wasn't by Frink it was a totally charming piece. my eyes are leaking...

as soon as they showed the side of the blob of plaster, and how her signature had traveled just up the side of it a bit i knew it was original. You can so clearly picture the artist trying that signature location out and being like "nah..that doesnt look right" and forgoing that location for the front spot the others had. so cool

Thankyou Fiona & Phillip for another instalment. I think its possible as this new episode claims it was the artists & or maybe a number 11 casting, that Dame Elizabeth Frink had kept back because of the signature error. It could also be the missing sculpture from Maudlin college Oxford or one of the other untraced figures. But the hard facts are the alloy in bronze casting used was standardised by the 50s & it's possible Frink gave away the original plaster cast as we heard she had done {where's the original plaster cast ? There was no mention of it}& or sold them as she was a bohemian & needed money. Bronze literally means mixture, the alloy was standard so of course it'll come up as near identical firstly , secondly if that ingot was used by that particular foundry there could have been other ingots produced at that time, side by side, that could have been used as the judge said, in a later casting at or around that time that would give a near identical reading. And finally if it was Frinks "Warrior" she had kept back you would hav expected provenance to prove it ?

Don't ask why, but, Ann Christopher came over as being a lovely person. There was a wonderful aura of calmness about her. I have no clue as to why this should be! Great program.

One would think that this particular bronze with the unique signature would be worth more than the other 9. What about that Philip?

This was a great one -- & so nice to have the 'experts' agree!

Wow! The forensic & detective work here was phenomenal!! The shocking tidbit was that an Oxford College would be “dumb enough” to randomly & carelessly loan valuable & probably priceless art pieces without a tight record keeping system!! That makes Oxford College look extremely careless!!! They already knew that valuable artwork must always maintain an excellent record of ownership!! Congrats to the smart woman who purchased it at a Car Boot Sale!!!

The most fascinating episode ever. I love it!!

Checking auction records on MutualArt, this sculpture has come up frequently with prices dropping over the years: $76,000 at Bonham's in 2013; $30,000 at Bonham's in 2015; $50,000 at Sothebys in 2016; and $27,000 at Bonham's in 2019. So, Philip's estimate of $73,000 (60,000 Pounds) is incorrect. If it sells for $30,000, she will pay 10 to 20% to auction house and pocket about $25,000. Nice profit, but hardly a huge windfall. Nevertheless, an interesting episode. As always, a very entertaining way to get an art history education.

Love all the intrigue about the art but…… anyone else just loving watching Phil and Fiona become really good mates over the years?

What a wonderful result. What especially pleases me is, that what first was the biggest red flag (the signature on the back around that blob) is now, what makes this Small Warrior the outstanding one in that series of 10.

Thank you so much for uploading this, now I can watch it in Canada!! ❤🎉

So very grateful for this upload. Wonderful episode. Thank you for connecting us outside of the UK with these. I forgot how much i loved this show.

Finally, thank you

Wow! This one really touched me. How amazing what is possible these days. So happy!!

Thank you kind person for putting the latest season online 🙂

This series is blasting open my mind for art. It's incredible how I'm being drawn into these objects and artworks like never before. At the start of the episode I thought what a strange sculpture and by the end I was captivated with it and the feelings it conjured. Truly amazing!

I was enthralled throughout the entire video. Doesn't happen to me much nowadays as my concentration span seems to be diminishing. Thanks!

love this show , love the research , the hosts , the surprise!

Not only original but a one-off copy with a unique story which seems likely to be true. The abandoned attempt to sign unobtrusively on the back which rendered it unsaleable as one of nine identical copies. Not only does this mean that it is the original of the edition, it also belonged to the artist. If only this could be proved!

They are coming out like dragons teeth! Love it.😂

Absolutely fascinating process, and once again I learned so much!

I love these two and the stories they tell.

It's kind of amazing to me that a sculpture can be the genuine work of an established sculptor but worth only about one per cent of the value of that sculptor's other works simply because the casting was unauthorized.

It is so relaxing to watch something like this, a story about absolutely nothing of any import that still has some excitement in it. Like watching little kittens dart around and grow.

I watch this program from South Africa. I just love this program

You’re back ❤❤❤😭😭😭, thank you 🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻

Thank you for uploading it! Can't wait to the rest of this series! What a great start!

OMG! Another sublime episode of your A-1 series! Even though the object d'art in question wouldn't be at the top of my shopping list, once again, your (Fiona & Philip's) approach & sleuthing & digestion of the evidence as its folds is TRULY astounding & remarkable. Quite a build-up. Many thanks for what you undertake and sharing it with a US viewer here on RU-vid! Ten STARS!!

Watching from Australia with appreciation. Great episode :))

Wonderful scrap metal yard.

Wonderful to see a new Fake or Fortune episode. Has the Oxford College with the missing Fink warrior approached the BBC? Do they have a photo of the missing sculpture showing the location of the signature on their copy?

Thank you SO much for uploading...

Thank you for posting this. 😃

Excellent!!!!!

Thank you from the US!! Loved it!

Wonderful outcome. Can't help wondering if the missing Mauderline? College warrior is still a factor.

Nice to see old Frinkers

Thank you soooo much for returning for another season!!!! I love the lovely new touches so far, writing notes on a board ect and the pacing is a slower more graceful pace…. ❤!!!!!!!

I almost hate this series, it gives me such stress! But I can't stop watching!

Absolutely intriguing.. a great episode

I was holding my breath in suspense while the verdict was being expounded

Fantastic! What a great show! Thank you.🎉🎉🎉

Extraordinary investigative work! Congratulations to Amanda!

Thanks for sharing 😊

Wonderful episode and pleased that the were able to authenticate the work for this lovely lady ;)

I got as far as "captures the existential angst..." and couldn't hit the stop button quick enough.

MANY MANY THANKS FROM THE USA!!!

Excellent episode

Gosh I'm moved and how excruciating these last minutes! (while their where deliberating). Hughly interesting research offered by you us to Watchers! Towards the End , I got Shivers just by listening... A chuckle I felt, when Mrs Bruce, popped out of her bag, casually but like a Magician, a copy of the little Warrior. It felt as if a copy can be made on a fling ; ) ... Love to visit the Art Foundry Pangeling !

I love this show!!!👩🏻‍🎨

This was the most exciting and informative episode. I haven’t been so thrilled with a result as with this. Thank you for so much detailed investigation. Wow!

We love this shows keep uploading them ❤

This one is absolutely fantastic. Thank you.

I love this!

Cheers! What a delight!

Thanks so much for this!

Thanks a lot for uploading!!

I so enjoyed this program thank you!

Another thank you for posting this show!

Thank you for this uploading! I adore it❤! Can you, please, upload other episodes of this season. 🤗🤗🤗🎨

Wonderful episode!

Thanks for uploading this episode!

What a lovely episode this was!

Thank you for posting this very interesting episode.

Excellent episode!

How wonderful, a new episode and a fascinating one. Thank you for uploading.

Great show!

Thanks from the USA for posting this. It’s Such a great show

I love this program. Ive been waiting for new episodes. Thank goodness. They're back!

Excellent. Thank you.

Wonderful! Such a great episode, thank you.

Thank you so much for uploading. I hope for episode 2. XXX

The best series, thanx for uploading!

Enjoyed watching!

Excellent...new episode..love this so much,thanks !!! xx

Great Series! Much enjoyed!