THE workshop of Bolton forger Shaun Greenhalgh is to be recreated as part of an exhibition of fakes at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum.

The Metropolitan Police’s art and antiques unit is building a replica model of the man they have called “the most diverse art forger known in history.”

Greenhalgh achieved global infamy when one of his most intricate pieces — the Amarna Princess, bought by Bolton Council for £440,000 — was revealed as a fake.

As reported exclusively in The Bolton News in October, the work of Shaun Greenhalgh will form the centrepiece of the collection.

But officers are also recreating the shed from which Greenhalgh made many of the items, including the Amarna Princess, Risley Park Lanx, Barbara Hepworth Goose and Thomas Moran paintings.

Det Sgt Vernon Rapley, of the Met, said: “This display will demonstrate that art crime is not just a topic for historic consideration.

“It reveals a situation very much alive and at the forefront of our unit’s priorities today.

“We hope we can educate people on what to look out for and encourage greater reporting of these crimes.”

Over 100 exhibits will be on display, including forgeries of well-known paintings and sculptures, worth millions.

Items include fake Banksy prints, John Myatt and Robert Thwaites paintings and forged Ashley Russell silverware.

Greenhalgh, currently serving a four-year jail term, has only spoken publicly to The Bolton New.

In January, he expressed regret for causing embarrassment to Bolton Museum and backed the possible return of the statue to his home town.

The V&A display — the first of its kind in the UK — will be held between January 23 and February.

pkeaveny@theboltonnews.co.uk