Andrew Bruce
English Barrister; part-time Judge
Andrew is an exceptionally well-regarded and successful commercial chancery barrister who has a well-developed expertise in art-related litigation. He also has 15 years' experience sitting as a Judge. The 2019 Edition of Chambers & Partners’ ‘High Net Worth’ Directory said of Andrew:
“Andrew Bruce of Serle Court has significant experience handling art-related disputes for a variety of individual and institutional clients. "He is incredibly thorough and incredibly quick at turning stuff round. He is a go-to name," notes a private client solicitor, who continues: "He is very useful and has done some very, very big cases. He really knows his stuff."...”
Although art litigation is an area of law where cases rarely reach the Courts and much of the work is confidential, Andrew was junior counsel for the Claimant in the most important English art case of the last decade: Thwaytes v. Sotheby’s [2015] EWHC 36 (Ch). The case involved a claim in professional negligence against Sotheby’s in respect of a painting of ‘The Card Sharps’ which was said to be by the hand of Caravaggio. The trial of the matter ran for 4 weeks in front of Rose J and involved expert evidence on art history, restoration and scientific analysis and auctioneering practice. Andrew dealt with the advocacy in respect of technical art restoration and scientific analysis matters.
As well as acting on (both sides of) claims relating to negligent advice or misattribution of Old Masters (and other) paintings, Andrew has also advised in connection with claims about the manuscripts of famous composers, the sculptures of world-famous sculptors, numerous religious artefacts and various loans secured on collections of cars and wine. Andrew has also lectured internationally on matters of art law, most recently in New York with a panel including a distinguished Swiss lawyer and an eminent offshore QC.
Andrew’s educational background includes Colfe’s School, London (1979-1986); Episcopal High School, Alexandria, Va (1987); Jesus College, University of Oxford (M.A. in Jurisprudence, 1991).
Andrews was called to the Bar in 1992 (Inns of Court Studentship Winner, Harmsworth Exhibitioner and Benefactors' Scholar of the Middle Temple). Andrew was appointed a Deputy District Judge in 2004. Appointed Judge of the First-Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) (Land Registration) in 2008.
Jurisdiction: U.K.