An episode of the BBC One documentary series Fake or Fortune? has revealed that an unattributed painting in the hands of a Scottish accountant is, in fact, a valuable work by 18th-century artist Katherine Read. The portrait, a depiction of a young Indian woman, was worth approximately $130,000 before authentication.

Katherine Read was born in Dundee, Scotland, in 1723 and is celebrated for her oil and pastel portraits from the mid-1770s. Her talent earned her a fee of 150 guineas per full-length portrait, equal to that of renowned artist Joshua Reynolds at the time.

The painting’s journey to recognition began when Mary-Louise Wedderburn, who inherited it from her uncle, presented it wrapped in a sleeping bag for authentication. The documentary team’s research confirmed Read's authorship, confirming the piece as an invaluable historical artefact and financial windfall for its owner.

The series is hosted by Fiona Bruce and Philip Mould, known for their work at London’s Philip Mould & Company gallery. Their investigation involved consulting experts in Scotland and India to uncover the identities of both artist and sitter. Professor Charles Greig identified Read as the painter with certainty.

While Read's works are now confirmed, she remains largely unknown compared to contemporaries like Reynolds and Gainsborough. This discovery might just be a reminder that hidden treasures can still be found in unexpected places – perhaps even under your own roof?