BBC's Fake or Fortune discovers £100,000 painting by Katherine Read

A recently appraised oil painting by the 18th‑century Scottish artist Katherine Read has been estimated to be worth more than £100,000. The work, which is believed to have been created in the 1760s, was acquired by a private collector in 2018 and has since attracted the attention of several major auction houses.

The canvas, measuring 24 inches by 30 inches, depicts a portrait of a young Scottish noblewoman in period dress. Art historians note that Read’s use of light and texture is characteristic of the Scottish school of the era, and her surviving works are rare. The appraisal was conducted by the National Art Appraisal Service, which cited the painting’s provenance, condition and stylistic significance as key factors in the valuation.

The high estimate places Read’s work among the most valuable pieces by female artists of the 18th century in the UK market. The painting is scheduled to go to auction in late 2026, where collectors and museums will have the opportunity to acquire a rare example of Scotland’s artistic heritage.