Andrew Thomas was educated in Norwich and at Blundell's School, Tiverton. He joined Bearne’s Salerooms in Torquay as a porter and saleroom assistant in 1969. He soon specialised in ceramics and works of art and became a partner in the mid 1970s.

The firm became part of Sotheby’s in 1977 and Andrew subsequently left for a two year period to run his own business but re-joined in the early 1980s and took part in the reacquisition of the firm from Sotheby’s in 1982.

Andrew Thomas won the ISVA ‘Young Auctioneer of the Year’ competition at the NEC Birmingham in 1984.

After heading the Works of Art & Collectors Department, he has for many years concentrated on Probate and Insurance valuation work. However ceramics and glass are still his principal interest both privately and professionally. He is now working for Bearnes Hampton and Littlewood as a consultant in the Ceramics & Glass or the Works of Art Department, using his many years of expertise to catalogue pieces for our Quarterly Fine auctions.

Other interests outside the firm include Field Sports, Motorcycling, Dartmoor and English country Churches.