Art, Architecture & interiors, Robert Adam

Robert Adam (3 July 1728 – 3 March 1792).

 Scottish neoclassical architect, interior designer and furniture designer, noted for his almost obsessive  attention to DETAIL.

 He was the son and apprentice of William Adam (1689–1748), Scotland's most famous architect of his time. He worked initially  with his older brother John, also an architect, and together they ran the family business started by their father. This business included work for the Board of Ordnance.

Starting in 1754 he left the family practice and spent almost five years travelling Europe and studying architecture. Amongst others he studied under Charles-Louis Clérisseau and Giovanni Battista Piranesi. Once back in Britain, rather than return to Scotland, he started a London practice with his younger brother James.

Here he developed the world famous "Adam Style", based on his observations of antiquity and ancient structures. He was very successful and held the post of

‘’Architect of the Kings Works from 1761–1769’’.

He is remembered as the greatest architect of the late 18th century and one of the most influential figures in European and North American Architecture. He lead the early stages of classical revivalism in England and Scotland between  1760 and  his death in 1792. A remarkably long ‘reign’ at the top!

His astounding success can attributed to his ability to design everything, from the outside in, down to the smallest detail. It was this attention to detail that made him different and allowed him to become one of the greatest architects Scotland has ever produced.

Entrance front of Hopetoun House, designed by William Adam and modified by the Adam Brothers

 

Kedleston Hall. The South front by Robert Adam, based on the Arch of Constantine in Rome

 

One of Adam's masterpieces: Pulteney Bridge, Bath

Details for Derby House in Grosvenor Square, an example of the Adam Brothers' decorative designs.

 

Syon House, A design for the hall by Robert and James Adam.

 

Dun House, Montrose, was built by Robert Adam and is not far from where I live. I visited it some time last year and here are the pictures.

 

And this is the information on Dun House.

http://www.aboutbritain.com/houseofdun.htm

 

Add a Comment

delete reply nemo4sun wrote on Aug 31, '08 i love such architecture :)

delete reply veryfrank wrote on Aug 30, '08 This is just wonderful, the buildings are marvelous, but that interior work, wow! Having been to Bath, the image of the bridge is as fresh in my mind today, as it was over 30 years ago.

delete reply brendainmad wrote on Aug 30, '08 Fantastic! I love architecture.

delete reply wickedlyinnocent wrote on Aug 30, '08 Thanks Loretta, I love those houses ( and the bridge, which I have already seen, Bath always reminds me of both Jane Austen and the Rialto like bridge), what a precious blog on the "Adam Style". Have a wonderful weekend, hugs.

delete reply starfishred wrote on Aug 30, '08 oh Lovely loretta when I was in school I wanted to be an architect so for a couple of years I took lots of these type of classes and in the process learned avout Adam he was wonderful thanks