[Osem]

A cash-strapped university lecturer was spared jail after he admitted forging a number of art prints that he later attempted to auction off.

Sheridan Tandy, 68, of Taunton, Somerset, faked the artwork, known as ‘Grosvenor School’ prints, using his expertise and years of knowledge working in print and art.

In October last year, he sold four prints, also known as linocuts, through his local auction house, Lawrence’s of Crewkerne in Somerset, at a profit of £5,000.

However, suspicions were raised over the validity of the art in March when three linocuts received for valuation were inspected by an expert at Bonham’s Auction House.

The expert contacted Scotland Yard's Art and Antiques Unit after the linocuts appeared to be so recent they still smelt of paint.

http://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/un...-a3131911.html