Adam

Family of Scottish architects and designers. William Adam (1689–1748) was the leading Scottish architect of his day, and his son Robert Adam (1728–1792) is considered one of the greatest British architects of the late 18th century, responsible for transforming the prevailing Palladian fashion in architecture to a neoclassical style.

William Adam trained his three sons Robert, John, and James in his Edinburgh office. Robert travelled in Italy and Dalmatia, and was appointed architect to King George III in 1762. His commissions included the remodelling of Kenwood House (1764) and Osterley Park, London (1760s); Culzean Castle, South Ayrshire (1775); and Nostell Priory, West Yorkshire. At Kedleston Hall (1759–70) he exquisitely balanced Antiquarian and neoclassical influences. In his interiors, such as those at Saltram, Harewood House, Luton Hoo, and Syon House, he employed delicate stucco decoration with neoclassical motifs. He also earned a considerable reputation as a furniture designer.

Robert, John, and James designed and speculatively developed the district of London between Charing Cross and the Thames, which was named the Adelphi after them (Greek for ‘brothers’). The area was largely rebuilt in 1936.

Two chairs designed by Robert Adam and made by the furniture maker Thomas Chippendale were sold in 1997 at Christie's sales rooms in London for £1.7 million, which made them the most expensive chairs in the world.