William Adam

William Adam (1684 - 1748) was a Scottish architect and builder, born in Fife, Scotland. He was the father of Robert Adam, James Adam and William Adam (Jr). He turned his father's building firm in Kirkcaldy into Scotland's largest construction and contracting enterprise of the time.

Related Topics:
1684 - 1748 - Architect - Fife - Scotland - Robert Adam - James Adam - Kirkcaldy

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In 1728 Adam became Clerk and Storekeeper of the King's Works in Scotland, and from 1730 Mason to the Board of Ordnance in North Britain. The latter position brough him large contracts for military fortifications following the 1745 Jacobite Rising, including Fort George near Inverness.

Related Topics:
1728 - 1730 - Board of Ordnance - North Britain - 1745 - Jacobite Rising - Fort George - Inverness

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Adam used a wide variety of sources for his designs, often reminiscent of Continental Baroque, as well as Gibbs and Vanbrugh. His best known works are Hopetoun House and Duff House in Banff. He only built one church - Hamilton Old Parish Church in 1734.

Related Topics:
Baroque - Vanbrugh - Hopetoun House - Duff House - Banff - Hamilton Old Parish Church - 1734

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From 1727 he planned to publish a book, but his Vitruvius Scoticus, featuring most of his buildings, was only published in 1812 by his grandson.

Related Topics:
1727 - 1812

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