Man jailed for forging and selling Tracey Emin artwork: Manchester
(SW1H - Friday, 29 October, 2010)

A man who manufactured and sold fake Tracey Emin artwork worth more than £25,000 to help pay off his debts, has this afternoon, Thursday 28 October been jailed for a total of 16 months.

Jonathan Rayfern produced the fakes and forged Tracey Emin's signature on them, before selling them on to innocent buyers via a number of e-Bay accounts, email addresses and alias names.

Rayfern, 32 (01.02.78), from Manchester at the time of arrest, had admitted one count of deception under the 1968 Theft Act and 10 counts of Fraud contrary to the Fraud Act 2006 over a three year period at an earlier hearing on 7 October.

He was jailed for 16 months for each of the counts, all to run concurrently.

His conviction followed an investigation by the Metropolitan Police Service's (MPS) Art & Antiques Unit.

Detectives from the unit received a tip off directly from the artist's studio, after it came to their attention that fake items were being offered for sale.

These illicit items were of an inferior quality, damaging the artist's reputation and having a detrimental impact on the financial value of the artist's genuine works.

The items included a number of sketches on fabric and a pencil drawing on calico, all purportedly by the artist Tracey Emin and bearing her forged signature.

The works were valued in excess of £25,000 and were sold using a number of e-Bay accounts, e-mail addresses and alias names.

Rayfern also used unsuspecting friends to deliver the artwork and collect money on his behalf.

Tracy Emin physically examined the pieces herself and made three separate statements to police between October and December 2009 declaring them illicit.

She said:

"I am seriously concerned that the forgeries and fakes are damaging to myself as well as collectors and investors in my work.

"From my perspective inferior artworks produced in my name damage my reputation and credibility as an artist.

"My artwork is deeply personal and comes from my heart.

"It hurts and distresses me to see these fakes and forgeries that have no regard, respect or understanding of what I do.

"With a view to others I am upset and distressed to think that people have been conned."

Rayfern was arrested at his home address in Cotton Street, Manchester on 16 November 2009 and taken to Collyhurst Police Station for questioning.

During his interview he admitted to making and selling the works by fraud and also deceiving others to assist him in the sale.

During a subsequent interview he further described his production methods and that he committed these crimes because he was seriously in debt to former partners and friends.

Detective Constable Ian Lawson, from the MPS's Art & Antiques Unit, said:

"This case highlights the risks associated with purchasing artwork on internet auction sites.

"Criminals easily disguise their identities by setting up numerous selling accounts and using multiple email addresses.

"Anyone looking to purchase works of art must be extra vigilant before parting with their hard-earned money and we would urge you to have the artwork and provenance thoroughly checked.

"The impact of these crimes caused significant financial losses to the individuals and these losses do not stop at the point of sale.

"Fake artwork can be sold on, extending the losses to many.

"It also undermines the confidence in the licit art market, having a detrimental affect on the value of genuine works of art."

An eBay spokesperson said:

"We hope this serves as a warning to anyone considering using eBay for illegal or fraudulent activity.

"That people can trust eBay is extremely important to us and we work closely with the law authorities to ensure cases are brought to court and that perpetrators held to account."

Police Force: Metropolitan (London)

Address:
New Scotland Yard
Broadway
Westminster
South West Londo
SW1H