Art lovers turn detective over fake masterpieces

Masterpieces worth millions of dollars by leading British artists have been replaced by look-alike fakes at six of the country's top art galleries, it was revealed on Thursday. But this isn't a case of the galleries being duped by master forgers. The replica copies have been deliberately put on show to discover Britain's most successful fake-busters.

Galleries in British cities, including London, Liverpool, Manchester, Cardiff and Edinburgh, have played along with the deliberate switch as part of a documentary program to be aired on television next year.

The fake-busting challenge continues throughout July and August at the six galleries, but on Thursday, at the halfway stage, the program makers decided to reveal the country's most successful art detectives.