The Art of Resurrection — David Henty: The Forger's Collection

SOME ART IS MADE TO DECEIVE.

SOME ART IS MADE TO SAVE LIVES.

DAVID HENTY HAS DONE BOTH.

THE ARTIST

David Henty is internationally known as "the world's number one art forger." Born in 1958 and based in Saltdean, England, his story begins in prison — where a brief stint in the mid-1990s, not for forgery of art but for forgery of passports, led him unexpectedly to painting.

Surrounded by books on the great masters, he discovered something no sentence could contain: an extraordinary gift for replicating the brushwork, texture, and spirit of history's most celebrated artists.

After his release, David spent years creating meticulous tribute works — after Picasso, Modigliani,

Van Gogh, Basquiat, Monet, Caravaggio, Lowry, Rothko, Matisse and Rembrandt — sourcing period-accurate canvas and pigment to achieve a technical authenticity that repeatedly fooled critics and scientists alike.

When he was exposed in 2014, he had sold over 1,000 pieces.

The response? He went legitimate — completely, publicly, and on his own terms. Every piece now bears his name. Nothing is hidden. The deception is the declaration.

Real-life inspiration for the forger at the heart of Peter James's novel and 2025 UK touring stage play Picture You Dead. Featured on BBC Radio 4, GB News, Channel 4's The Greatest Auction, and the Vice documentary My Fake Picasso Went to Auction at $1.4 Million. His work was exhibited at Atelier & Grove's acclaimed 'Forgery on Trial' at the Old Police Court in Jersey, where visitors were invited to become the jury.

THE CAPE TOWN EXHIBITION

For five days in February 2027, David Henty brings his collection to Cape Town in person — accompanied by his team and a selection of original tribute works available to purchase directly from the gallery.

Entry is free. The works are real. The question of what that means is yours to answer.

The exhibition is part of The Art of Resurrection — a week-long cultural event in Cape Town pairing David's collection with The Resurrection Files, a cinematic AI drag theatrical production performing two nights only at the Star Theatre on 12 and 13 February 2027. Together, they form a single week in the service of one cause.

THE CAUSE

Every performance of The Resurrection Files raises money for AidsArk (UK Charity No. 1093966).

Now the exhibition does too.

Their frontline partner Baphumelele funds home-based follow-up care for people discharged from hospital in Khayelitsha and townships near Cape Town — helping them return to independent lives and adhere to their HIV medication.

15% of all art sales from the exhibition goes directly to AidsArk. If you'd like to add to that, an optional donation can be made when booking.

Every Sale. Every Donation. Saves Lives.

WHAT TO EXPECT

A gallery of original signed tribute works spanning Picasso, Modigliani, Van Gogh, Basquiat, Monet, Caravaggio, Lowry, Rothko, Matisse, Soutine, Rembrandt and Dali. Works range from R16,000 to R220,000 and are available to purchase on site. David and his team are present throughout.

Gallery hours: 11:00–17:00 daily (Collectors' Preview: Tuesday 9 February, 09:00–11:00)

For show tickets:

quicket.co.za/events/382853-the-resurrection-files

resurrectionfiles.com/tours-tickets

PRESENTED BY

Resurrection Productions (Pty) Ltd in association with Atelier & Grove

Atelier & Grove curates environments where ideas, objects, and people meet with intent — from galleries and exhibitions to private stays and hidden retreats. Their 'Forgery on Trial' exhibition in Jersey introduced David Henty to collectors and art lovers for the first time. The Art of Resurrection is the next chapter.

atelierandgrove.com | davidhentyartforger.co.uk | resurrectionfiles.com