The Telegraph reports on the revelation that Old Master dealer Mark Weiss has been planting rumors in the British press about Philip Mould ever since the latter published a book trumpeting his exploits:

It began with alterations to [Mould’s] online Wikipedia entry, questioning the importance of “discoveries” and suggesting other dealers had made far more important finds – including the Weiss Gallery. Then, in October 2009, the same person sent a “press release” to national newspapers, falsely claiming Mr Mould was having an affair with Charlotte Barton, a 42-year-old artist. After one Sunday newspaper ran the story, Mr Mould’s wife Catherine temporarily left him. Then, five months ago, Mr Mould bought a painting attributed to Rubens at a Bonhams auction, paying £700,000 with a fellow investor, Dr Alfred Bader.

When the art press received a tip-off that Mr Mould did not have the funds to pay for the painting […], Mr Mould and Dr Bader brought in private investigators, who quickly reported back that Mr Weiss was responsible.

Mayfair art dealer Mark Weiss in disgrace after admitting poison pen campaign against rival Philip Mould (Telegraph)