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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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Robert Adam
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(1728–92) By far the most influential architect of his period in Britain. His father, William (1689–1748), had himself been a leading architect in Scotland. Three of his sons joined the profession; John (1721–92) maintained the Edinburgh end of the family practice, while Robert and James (1730–94) established themselves in London. A fourth son, William Jnr, looked after their business affairs.
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Much of the famous *Adam style was the result of the two years (1755–7) which Robert spent in Rome, studying and drawing classical architecture. His success lay in adapting the classical tradition to provide the elegance and delicacy required by his patrons. He designed rooms down to the last details of furniture and fittings. Among the most famous of his many houses are *Kedleston, *Harewood, *Syon, *Osterley, and *Kenwood. In 1768 the brothers undertook together a vast project in London, the *Adelphi.
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In his later years Robert Adam designed several important buildings back in Scotland, including the great sham castle *Culzean on the west coast and, in Edinburgh, *Charlotte Square, the University and the Register House for the *Scottish Record Office.
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