A ‘Classical Goth’: Robert Adam’s engagement with medieval architecture

Citation

Lindfield P (2019) A ‘Classical Goth’: Robert Adam’s engagement with medieval architecture. In: Thom C (ed.) Robert Adam and his Brothers: New light on Britain's leading architectural family. Historic England. https://www.liverpooluniversitypress.co.uk/books/id/52250/

Abstract
First paragraph: Robert Adam’s Grand Tour in 1754–8 had a profound impact upon his understanding of the forms and ornament of Classical architecture. This became manifest after his return to Britain in his country house designs, as, for example, in the south façade of Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire (from c 1760).1 Beyond this elevation’s dynamic advancement and recession of planes, the architecture paraphrases two notable monuments of ancient Rome: the Arch of Constantine and the Pantheon. Kedleston’s interior, including its celebrated Saloon, was equally responsive to antique forms, and the tour’s impact upon Adam in the shaping of his eponymous neoclassical style is explored elsewhere in this volume.

• Classical Goth Revised by PL and again by CT 29 July 2016.pdf