Robert Gordon Bruce, legendary Scottish magician, collector, and historian, passed away on January 1, 2026. Born on November 15, 1952, he was 73 years old.
As a boy, Gordon attended the now defunct Allan Glen’s private school for boys in Glasgow city center. Thereafter he attended Glasgow University, where he excelled in history and music. Gordon’s instrument of choice was the double bass, which he eventually played in the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. Being a musician by profession meant that Gordon got to travel a lot. Going on tour with the orchestra also meant he was able to meet up and session with some of his heroes from the magic community, including Dai Vernon, Charlie Miller, Karl Fulves, Larry Jennings, Bruce Cervon, Ron Wilson, Ed Marlo, Gene Maze, and Heba Haba Al.
Gordon was a true magic enthusiast driven by an unflagging passion to further the art. He first became interested in magic when a fellow school pupil, Alistair Guy, showed him a card trick that fooled him badly. Alistair didn’t explain the trick, he simply said: “If you’re interested you’ll find the secret in Tam Shepherds magic shop in Glasgow city center.” Of course, Gordon made his way to the magic shop. On arrival he struck up a conversation with the man behind the counter, Roy Walton, who recommended Hugard’s Card Manipulations, which was 5 shillings at the time. Gordon’s school lunch money for the week was 4 shillings and 6 pence, however by adding 6 pence that his grandmother gave him, he was able to buy the book. But it did mean going without lunch for a few days.
When Gordon was young, it was Roy Walton who introduced him to many great magicians of the time. And with Roy’s help and guidance the young Gordon began to put together his own ideas.
One of Gordon’s greatest heroes was the legendary Dai Vernon. He was fascinated by Vernon, but as a young man felt he would never get the chance to meet him, so in 1971, he wrote to The Professor, and by Jove, Vernon replied... Gordon was thrilled. Vernon said:
Gordon, I simply must let you know how delighted I was to receive your most recent letter.
I was astonished with the material and reading between the lines, I can tell that you have a very fine grasp of the subject and the fact that I had never heard your name mentioned to me really surprised me.
The method and thinking regarding your “Pocket Palm” for example is a gem, it is very usable and should become commonplace. Also, the transposition you sent is original and very effective.
Although Gordon didn’t publish much in his lifetime, what was published was of the highest standard. His attention to detail and misdirection were remarkable. As well as being a very original magician who developed his own sleights, he was a great historian and an avid book collector. He was the curator of the Scottish Magic Archive, a large library of books that Gordon collected over a period of 60 years.
Gordon also had a wonderful turn of phrase. Quirky things he would say include: “Pure sleight of hand is the absence of itself.” “You might not be saying anything; but I can read the subtitles on your face.” “Remember, there is a big difference between practice and rehearsal.” “Magicians don’t retire, they just become disillusioned.” And, “Old magicians don’t die, they just injog and shuffle off.”
There is no doubt that Gordon’s magic will live on and continue to inspire magicians for many generations to come. We will never see the likes of him again. A remarkable magician, a true legend and above all, a wonderful gentleman.