FT: Tim Harford – Disinformation is a calamitous accident waiting to happen

In this thought-provoking piece for The FT, Tim Harford delves into the intricate world of art forgery through the lens of Eric Hebborn's extraordinary claims. Harford skilfully weaves together the narrative of Hebborn, a notorious art forger, whose sensational stories challenge the boundaries of truth and deception. Beyond the art world, Harford explores the broader implications of disinformation in our contemporary society, drawing parallels with the rise of deepfakes and their potential impact on public perception. His article serves as a compelling exploration of the challenges in distinguishing reality from falsehood, offering readers a deep dive into the complexities of our post-truth landscape.

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By Tim Harford

Fakes, forgeries and the meaning of meaning in our post-truth hellscape

Not long after Eric Hebborn was murdered, an off-the-record conversation with the famed artist-turned-forger was published. On tape, Hebborn made explosive claims about his time as a student at the Royal Academy of Art in the 1950s, where he had been awarded a prestigious prize. Though a gifted draughtsman, he was a surprising choice, because the art of the day was all about high concepts, not realistic depictions. Drawing was an unfashionable business, so how had a mere draughtsman won the prize?

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