The story of John Myatt: The art forger who outsmarted the world

Some stories in the art world are about talent. For John Myatt, it is about scandal. From local artist to one of Britain’s most notorious art forgers, and now a respected contemporary painter, his life has shaped a truly remarkable story.

John Myatt’s early life

John Myatt was born in 1945 and trained at the University of Reading. Early in his career, he struggled to make a living from his paintings. That all changed in the 1980s when he discovered he could replicate the styles of famous 19th and 20th-century artists with uncanny accuracy.

At first, it was a personal challenge, a way to prove to himself that he could master any technique. But he soon learned that the skill would propel him into one of the most well-known art frauds the UK had ever seen.

The rise of a master forger

In the 1980s, Myatt met John Drewe, a man who saw opportunity in forging talent. Drewe had access to the right contacts and documents to make fake paintings appear authentic. Together, they sold over 200 paintings replicating famous artists, fooling collectors, auction houses, and galleries across Europe.

Myatt’s brushstrokes were so convincing that experts were duped, and the paintings ended up in prestigious collections! Headlines dubbed him a “genius forger,” and the scale of the operation stunned the art world.

For instance, see Myatt's stunning giclée of Vincent van Gogh's Starry Night below. Not only does it look strikingly similar to the original, but it’s even signed 'Vincent'.

In 1999, the law caught up with Myatt. He was convicted and served a year in prison. It was a dramatic fall, but one that ultimately shaped the next chapter of his life. Myatt has often reflected on this period as a turning point, admitting that he never set out to harm the art world; he just wanted to survive as an artist in a tough industry.

After returning from his time behind bars, Myatt made the conscious decision to create under his own name.

John Myatt’s rebirth as a contemporary artist

Today, John Myatt’s paintings are legal, authentic, and highly valued. Collectors are drawn not only to his technical skill but also to the narrative behind each work.

Factors driving demand for Myatt’s work include:

• His life story is gripping, almost like a thriller, and owning a painting feels like holding a piece of living history.
• Scarcity heightens appeal, with each painting limited, unique, and highly sought after.
• Buyers can invest confidently, as all works come with full provenance guaranteeing authenticity.
• Myatt’s exceptional talent is widely praised, blending masterful mimicry with original creativity.

How to find a John Myatt painting

For those eager to own a piece of Myatt’s journey, there are several different ways to acquire his work:

• Art galleries often feature his exhibitions.
• Auction houses occasionally offer competitive opportunities to buy.
• Specialist antique retailers, like PM Antiques & Collectables, sell authentic, high-quality artworks.

Why invest in a John Myatt piece?

The combination of rarity, skill, and unusual background means his work appeals to both art lovers and serious collectors. While all art carries some risk, Myatt’s transparency and reputation make him a compelling choice for anyone looking to invest in a piece that’s as much history as it is art.

If you're looking to add John Myatt paintings to your home, then make sure to browse our collections. On the other hand, if you're in possession of one of his pieces, and want to send it to a home where it will be cherished - then consider selling your John Myatt painting to PM Antiques & Collectables. 

Want to learn more about antique prints and the history of art? Read our article on Graham Clarke, one of Britain's best-selling print maker.