Introduction

This evening, I am posting information on the architectural heritage of the Adam family in the West of Scotland.

Information on the Adam family architecture

William Adam (1689-1748) was the leading Scottish architect of his time with a prodigious work output. Adam was multi-talented with skills in stone masonry plus business acumen. He was known to act as contractor as well as architect on certain schemes.

William Adam was the father of three sons all of whom followed their father in the architecture profession.These were Robert (1728-1792), James ( 1732-1794) and John ( 1721-1792). Robert’s designs followed the Scottish neo-classical tradition.

Here is Culzean Castle in Ayrshire, a cliff-top masterpiece rises above a world of woods, beaches, secret follies and play parks. This was designed by Robert Adam and built 1775-1792. Location is fifty miles south of Glasgow.

Here is Inveraray Castle in Argyll. Designed by William Adam and Roger Morris but completed in 1789 by John Adam and Robert Adam. Location is sixty four miles NW of Glasgow.

Here is Cumbernauld House which was designed by William Adam for John Fleming, 6th Earl of Wigtown. The building dates from 1731. Cumbernauld is 13 miles NE of Glasgow.

Here is the McLennan Arch on Glasgow Green, close to city centre. This originally formed part of the Assembly Rooms in Glasgow designed by Robert and James Adam. The building dates from 1796.

Here is Glasgow’s Trades Hall. Although embellished over the years, the original building dates from 1791-1794 and was the work of Robert Adam.

Clearly, the Adams have left us with a diverse and interesting architectural legacy.

More information for the visitor

More information on art, architecture, culture, etc., can be found in the Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4. This publication is also available via Kindle.