Robert Adam (1728-1792) was a Scottish
architect, Interior designer and furniture designer. He was appointed
architect to King George in 1762. Robert Adam was one of the most
important British architects of the neoclassic style in the late 18th
century. His work is based on ancient Roman and Renaissance motifs.
Robert Adam was born in Kirkaldy, Fife,
Scotland. In 1754 he embarked on a ''Grand
Tour'' visiting classical sites
and studying architecture. On his return Adam established his own
practise in London with his brother James and developed his own style
known as the Adam style or Adamesque.
A few of Robert Adam's town houses
remain, including 20 Portman Square, 20 St. James Square, and Chandos
House in Queen Anne Street. He and his brothers, James and John Adam,
designed and developed the district of London between Charring Cross and
The Thames which was named after them the Adelphi (Greek for
''brothers'')
Around London we may mention Kenwood
House, home of the Iveagh Collection of paintings. Osterley Park, and
Syon House (near Kew). A large collection of drawings and sketches of
his designs are in the collection of the John Soane Museum. An early
work of his is the facade for the Admiralty in Whitehall.
The Adam taste appear on the furniture, and also on carpets. His designs always have a certain
masculinity despite the use of flowers and cornucopias. Many classical
motifs are present in his border designs: icanthus scrolls, egg and dart
motifs, guilloches, sausage and ball motifs around, as do fan corners
and central medallions often with husk motifs draped around them.
Craigie Stockwell have recreated a number
of original Adam carpets, sometimes simply copying the original or
researching archives either in some Adam designed properties or at the
Sir John Soane museum in london. Craigie Stockwell's studio also creates new designs based on and inspired by Robert Adam's work.