Great Pretender: A Catalogue of Chaos and Creativity

In 1980, Nick challenged his family to become millionaires by creating antique replicas. He started selling netsukes on a market stall and met eccentric people with money-spinning ideas. When he reached the London art world, he realized he was out of his depth. This is the story of how enthusiasm and self-belief can take you to the top.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 09 May 2019
Publisher: Birlinn General

In 1980, when money held supreme, Nick challenged his long-suffering family with a bold proclamation. He had a brilliant idea that would propel them to greatness. Hidden away in an old stable, he delved into the realm of alchemy, experimenting with ancient techniques to create the most convincing antique replicas ever seen. With a few netsukes sold on a market stall at the Birmingham Rag Market, Nick met a diverse group of individuals, including risk-taking gamblers with quick tongues. Each of them had their own money-making schemes, and Nick eagerly replicated them for the wheeler-dealers chasing their dreams. As he ventured into the rarefied circles of the London art world, Nick realized he might be dangerously out of his depth. However, his unwavering enthusiasm and self-belief propelled him forward. This is the captivating and often humorous tale of how sheer determination and a touch of madness can lead to extraordinary accomplishments.

Weight: 282g
Dimension: 129 x 196 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781846974700