James Adam (architect)


James Adam was a Scottish architect and furniture designer, but was often overshadowed by his older brother and business partner, Robert Adam. They were sons of architect William Adam.

Life and career

Adam was born in Kirkcaldy, Fife in 1732 as the third son of the architect William Adam.
In 1755 Adam worked on Gunsgreen House in the Berwickshire town of Eyemouth.
In 1758, Adam, along with his brother Robert started his business in London, focusing on designing complete schemes for the decoration and furnishing of houses. Palladian design was popular, but Robert had evolved a new, more flexible style incorporating elements of classic Roman design alongside influences from Greek, Byzantine and Baroque styles. The Adam brothers' success can also be attributed to a desire to design everything down to the smallest detail, ensuring a sense of unity in their designs.
He then followed in Robert's footsteps by undertaking the Grand Tour, leaving in May 1760 to October 1763, when he arrive back in London.
Adam succeeded Robert as Architect of the King's Works in 1768 just before work on the brothers' Adelphi project almost bankrupted the firm.
From 1771–5 he was engaged with his brother in the design and building of Wedderburn Castle near Duns, Berwickshire.
Adam emerged from his brother's shadow after Robert's death in 1792, designing several notable buildings in Glasgow, including the old Infirmary, Assembly Rooms and the Tron Kirk. He also designed Portland Place in central London. In 1793 he was part of a group of architects that John Soane was asked to supply plans to for the House of Lords. However, his glory was short-lived – he died at his home in London's Albermarle Street in 1794.
During their lifetime Robert and James Adam published two volumes of their designs, Works in Architecture of Robert and James Adam.

List of architectural works

Public buildings