\paperw3360 \margr0\margl0\ATXph16380 \plain \fs20 \f1 \fs22 The achievement of the Adam brothers, John (1720-92), Robert (1728-92) and James (1732-94), may be measured by the fa
ct that their name conjures up a style which remains a landmark in the history of design. However, the real genius behind the Adam Style was Robert, who had spent four years in Italy and believed that the austere formality practised by the Palladian sch
ool was a flat and insipid rendering of ancient artistry. He thus resolved to bring about æa revolution in the whole system of this useful and elegant artÆ by introducing a æbeautiful variety of light mouldings, gracefully formed, delicately enriched, a
nd arranged with propriety and skillÆ. The style also embraced a bold use of colour and motifs such as festoons, urns and chimeras. Each project was conceived as a total design in which ceilings, walls, fireplaces and furniture should all be co-ordinat
ed. During the 1760s and 1770s the Adam Style was the epitome of fashion and extremely influential. Many country houses and town mansions were accordingly remodelled. However, fashion is fickle, and towards the end of the century the writer Horace Wal
pole dismissed the designs of Robert Adam as ægingerbread and snippets of embroideryÆ. \par
