ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Orlando Whitfield's memoir explores friendship with art fraudster Inigo Philbrick and $86 million scheme

publication · 2026-04-20

In his memoir 'All That Glitters,' Orlando Whitfield delves into his relationship with art con artist Inigo Philbrick, whom he encountered at Goldsmiths, University of London. Their venture began with the sale of secondary-market pieces, including a drawing by Paula Rego. Philbrick later partnered with Jay Jopling to establish Modern Collections gallery, while Whitfield launched Hunter/Whitfield gallery. Engaging in deceit, Philbrick sold the same artworks multiple times, amassing around $86 million through fraud, and tried to escape to Vanuatu before being apprehended. Whitfield highlights Philbrick’s charisma and cunning tactics, such as selling 220% ownership of artworks. Published by Profile Books for £20, the memoir contemplates disillusionment in the art world and the vulnerability of friendships.

Key facts

  • Inigo Philbrick embezzled an estimated $86 million through art fraud
  • Orlando Whitfield and Inigo Philbrick met studying art history at Goldsmiths, University of London
  • Philbrick co-founded Modern Collections gallery with White Cube owner Jay Jopling
  • Whitfield co-founded Hunter/Whitfield gallery with Ben Hunter
  • Philbrick sold 220% ownership of single paintings to multiple buyers
  • Philbrick attempted to escape debtors to the Pacific island of Vanuatu
  • Whitfield and Philbrick's first student sale was a Paula Rego drawing
  • The book 'All That Glitters' is published by Profile Books at £20 hardcover

Entities

Artists

  • Orlando Whitfield
  • Inigo Philbrick
  • Paula Rego
  • Wade Guyton
  • Rudolf Stingel
  • Christopher Wool
  • Christopher Page
  • Rebecca Ackroyd
  • Adam Gordon
  • Ben Hunter
  • Pierce Townshend
  • Jay Jopling

Institutions

  • Goldsmiths
  • University of London
  • White Cube
  • Modern Collections
  • Hunter/Whitfield
  • Profile Books
  • Yale University
  • ArtReview

Locations

  • London
  • United Kingdom
  • Miami
  • United States
  • Vanuatu
  • New York
  • Venice
  • Italy

Sources