Adam, Robert

b 1728; d 1792

One of the greatest British architects of the 18th century, born at Kirkcaldy, Scotland. He is known especially for his creation of the elegant and delicate neoclassical 'Adam style' of interior decoration. He was the second son of William Adam (1689-1748), a leading Edinburgh architect designing in the Palladian style, who trained him and also his brothers John (1721-92) and James (1732-94).

In 1754 Robert went on the Grand Tour. In Florence he met Clérisseau and then studied under him in Rome. In 1757 he travelled with Clérisseau to Dalmatia, via Venice, and spent several weeks doing drawings of Diocletian's palace at Spalatro (Split), later published as Ruins of Spalatro (1764). In 1758 he returned to London where the Admiralty Screen (1759-60) was an early work of some distinction. The Palladian influence was waning and, with his brother James, he soon established his own 'Adam style', focused largely on interior decoration and derived from his study of ancient Roman domestic decoration. In country houses such as Harewood House (1759-71), Kedleston Hall c. 1765-70), Syon House (1762-69), Osterley Park (1761-80), Kenwood House (1767-68) and Newby Hall (1767-85), he revealed his remarkably original blend of classical architectural influences. Meticulous attention to detail, including original designs for the furniture, imposed a unity which was enhanced by a delightful sense of movement and surprise arising from the highly skilled planning of screens and contrasting room shapes.

His many other works include Lansdowne House, Berkeley Square (1762-68), the ill-fated Adelphi (1768-72, now demolished); with his brother James, Chandos House, Portland Place (1770-74), 20 St James's Square (1775-77), Apsley House (c. 1775) - all in London; Pulteney Bridge, Bath (1769-74); the General Register House, Edinburgh (1774-92); Culzean Castle (1777-90); Seton Castle (1789-91); Charlotte Square, Edinburgh (1791); and Edinburgh University (designed 1789, completed by Playfair, 1815-32). With his brother James he published Works in Architecture (vol. 1, 1773; vol. 2, 1779; vol. 3, 1822).

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