Robert Adam in London and Scotland

The Lectures

Robert Adam in London: The Townhouse and the Villa

Adam began his architectural career with the family firm in Scotland, then set up a London office in 1758, and was the designer of numerous neo-classical country houses both in England and Scotland. This lecture looks at Adam’s work in London: his elegant town houses with refined interior decoration. Some have been demolished, others survive; his important residential development, the Adelphi, survives in part. He also redesigned the interiors of Syon, Osterley and Kenwood, all on the outskirts of London and all open to the public.

Robert Adam in Scotland: The Castle and the Country House

Robert Adam, famous for his elegant neo-classical houses in England, worked in a more muscular style in Scotland. Knowing and loving the robust fortified houses of his native land, he designed castle-style exteriors in some of his late works for Scottish clients. Country houses such as Culzean Castle in Ayrshire or Mellerstain House in Berwickshire combine turrets, towers and battlements with very up-to-date neo-classical interiors. As in London, he was also involved in town-planning schemes and public buildings in both Glasgow and Edinburgh, although these have survived less well.

The Speaker

Caroline Knight is an architectural historian, trained at the Courtauld Institute of Art and specialising in 16th to 18th century English and Scottish architecture. Lecturer at the V&A on year courses and short courses, and lecturer for the Arts Society, the Art Fund, and for the Royal Oak Foundation in the US. Researched and wrote a history of Kensington Palace. Contributed to a book on the Cecil family, and has written several articles on architectural and social history and the history of travel. Wrote London’s Country Houses (2009). Contributed a chapter to a history of the Royal Academy (Yale, 2018).

Timings

• Registration: 10:15 (coffee will be served between the lectures, not before)
• First lecture: 10:30 – 11:30
• Break for coffee and cake
• Second lecture 12:00 – 13:00 with questions afterwards

How To Book

Cost: £25

If you would like to book a place, please pay by BACS to The Arts Society Saffron Walden, sort code 30-98-31, account no. 29917860 with your surname and MOSI as the reference.

Please email Sarah at mosiassw@gmail.com when you have paid.

You can also pay at the September or October lecture by card or cheque (made out to The Arts Society Saffron Walden).