Brexit has had an impact on everyone who holds a British passport but on none more so than those UK citizens who worked for the European Union and found themselves out of a job after the United Kingdom left the EU in 2020.

It was therefore gratifying to see Middle Temple paying tribute to two senior members who had served in the EU courts by commissioning a painting of them. As you can see, it’s a custom that the inns of court have been following for centuries. This double-portrait is by Fiona Graham-Mackay.

At a brief ceremony on Tuesday, Dame Eleanor Sharpston DCMG KC, who served as an advocate general at the Court of Justice for almost 15 years, and Ian Forrester KC, a former judge of the EU’s General Court, were introduced by Lady Justice Thirlwall, this year’s treasurer of Middle Temple.

To listen to the brief speeches and see the painting being unveiled, just click the ► symbol on the image above. To watch in full-screen — which I recommend — click on the image and then click the appropriate symbol.

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