There are few more distinguished names in the annals of
Scottish and British architecture than that of Robert Adam. He was the leading
proponent of the Neo-Classical style, which he had studied with immense
industry and the fruits of that industry beautify Britain and epitomise the
elegance of the 18th century.
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| Robert Adam |
Robert Adam
(1728-92) was born in the Fife town of Kirkcaldy, though the family soon moved
to Edinburgh, where Robert attended the Royal High School. His father William
was already a leading Scottish architect and after 2 years at Edinburgh
University, interrupted by the Jacobite Rebellion and serious illness, Robert
became apprenticed to his father. He helped in works on Hopetoun House and on
the Duke of Argyle’s new house and estate at Inverary.
His father William died in 1748 and the family business was
continued as a partnership between Robert and his brothers John and James,
known as the Adam Brothers. In 1754, Robert embarked on the Grand Tour to
France and Italy. For 4 years he studied architecture In Rome under the artist
Piranesi and architect Clérisseau. He thoroughly absorbed the prevailing
Baroque and Italianate style and with Clérisseau he extensively inspected the
Palace of Diocletian in Spalato (modern Split) before returning to Scotland in
1758.
Brimming with classical enthusiasm, Robert strove to bring
the light and elegance of the Mediterranean to the uncertain skies of Britain.
He quickly attracted clients and soon stately homes, public buildings,
interiors and furniture demonstrated his talents. Typical is Kedleston Hall in
Derbyshire, whose central façade adapts the Arch of Constantine in Rome
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| Kedleston Hall |
The Marble Hall at Kedleston, replete with classical
statuary, is another homage to Rome.
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| Marble Hall, Kedleston |
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| The Library, Kenwood, Hampstead |
Many other country houses have lovely Adam suites of rooms,
like Kenwood, Bowood, Culzean Castle, Osterley Park and Syon Park. He took
endless trouble to perfect his interiors and to develop his theory of
“movement” with contrasts of colour and decoration. Perhaps Adam’s masterpiece
is the interior of Harewood House, near Leeds. Furniture and carpets were
chosen with great care resulting in a delightfully bright home amid the mists
of Yorkshire.
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| The Gallery, Harewood House |
Public buildings were not neglected: The majestic Adelphi at
the top of the Strand was sadly demolished in the 1930s but we still have many
including Pulteney Bridge, Bath and Bute House, Charlotte Square, Edinburgh and
the Trades Hall, Glasgow.
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| Pulteney Bridge, Bath |
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| Bute House, Edinburgh |
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| Trades Hall, Glasgow |
Robert
Adam’s genius and that of his brothers’ was highly productive and embellished
many buildings throughout Britain. Widely imitated in Britain and the US – how
many properties have that elusive “Adam” fireplace! – his style retains its appeal. The Hall at Syon Park is the final beauty in this heartfelt tribute.
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| The Hall at Syon Park |
SMD
15.11.15
Text Copyright © Sidney Donald 2015
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