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Adam, James [1732-1794. UK. Architect/Furniture Designer]

 

James Adam was born in North Merchiston, Edinburgh, Scotland on 21 July 1732. He was the third son of the architect and landscape designer William Adam (1689-1748). He studied at Edinburgh University, where he matriculated in autumn 1751. By 1754 he had joined the family architectural practice run by his older brothers John Adam (1721-1792) and Robert Adam (1728-1792) who made him a partner. From 1760 to 1763 he accompanied Robert on a Grand Tour in Italy. Following their return, James joined Robert in his London practice as a partner and remained with him until the latter’s death in 1792. He then continued to run the practice alone until his own death two yeas later.

Colvin observes that "although an elegant draughtsman and a competent architect, James Adam lacked both the drive and the genius of his elder brother, and was content to act as his junior partner" [Colvin p.41]. He is known, however, to have executed a few independent designs. These include the Shire Hall at Hertford in Hertfordshire (1767–71); façades for Portland Place in London (1776); St George’s Episcopal Church in Edinburgh (1792–94); College Houses in Glasgow (1793) and the Tron Church in Glasgow (1794). He died in London on 20 October 1794

Bibliography

1. Colvin, Howard, A Biographical Dictionary of British Architects 1600-1840. New Haven, Connecticut and London: Yale University Press, 4th edition, 2008
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