James Adam (architect) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Adam
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Portrait of Adam by Antonio Zucchi
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| Born | 21 July 1732 |
| Died | 20 October 1794 (aged 62) |
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James Adam (born July 21, 1732 – died October 20, 1794) was a talented Scottish architect and furniture designer. He was the son of a famous architect, William Adam. James often worked with his older brother, Robert Adam, who was also a well-known architect.
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Life and Career of James Adam
James Adam was born in Kirkcaldy, Fife, Scotland, in 1732. He was the third son in his family. His father, William Adam, was a respected architect.
In 1755, James worked on a project called Gunsgreen House. This house is located in the town of Eyemouth.
Starting a Business in London
In 1758, James and his brother Robert started their own business in London. They focused on designing entire homes. This included everything from the building itself to the furniture and decorations inside.
At the time, a style called Palladian design was very popular. However, Robert developed a new, unique style. It mixed ideas from classic Roman buildings with influences from Greek and Baroque styles. This became known as the Adam Style.
The Adam brothers were very successful. They made sure every small detail of their designs fit together. This created a strong, unified look in their buildings.
The Grand Tour
Like his brother Robert, James went on a trip called the Grand Tour. This was a long journey around Europe. It was common for young, wealthy men to take this trip. They would visit famous ancient sites and learn about art and architecture. James left in May 1760 and returned to London in October 1763.
Later Work and Legacy
In 1768, James took over from Robert as the Architect of the King's Works. This was a very important job. Around this time, the brothers worked on a big project called the Adelphi. This project almost caused their company to go bankrupt.
From 1771 to 1775, James and Robert designed and built Wedderburn Castle. This castle is near Duns in Scotland.
After Robert died in 1792, James became more recognized for his own work. He designed several important buildings in Glasgow. These included the old Infirmary and the Assembly Rooms. He also designed the Tron Kirk in Glasgow. In London, he designed Portland Place.
James Adam passed away in 1794 at his home in London. He had a large collection of books. The Adam brothers also published two books about their designs. These books were called Works in Architecture of Robert and James Adam.
Famous Buildings by James Adam
James Adam worked on many important buildings. Here are some of his notable projects.
Public Buildings
These are buildings made for public use, like courts or markets.
- Shire Hall, Hertford (1768): This building in Hertfordshire was originally the Courts of Justice and Corn Market. James worked on this with his brother Robert.
Urban Homes
These are houses or developments built in cities.
- The Adelphi development, London (1768–1775): This was a large group of buildings in London. Most of it was taken down in the 1930s. However, you can still see a ceiling and fireplace from the Adelphi at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
- 7 Adam Street: This is another building designed by James Adam in London.
Country Houses
These are large homes built in the countryside.
- Gunsgreen House, Berwickshire (1755): This was one of James Adam's early projects.
See also
- Adam style
Images for kids
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The Shire Hall, Hertford
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St George's Episcopal Chapel, York Place, Edinburgh (1794)
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The Adelphi, London, largely demolished
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Robert Adam ceiling from the Adelphi, now in the V&A
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7 Adam Street
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Gunsgreen House
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