Robert Adam & the Art of Elegance

MONDAY OCTOBER 5, 2026

DETAILS COMING SOON!

THIS EVENT IS IN COLLABORATION WITH THE ROYAL OAK FOUNDATION

Robert Adam was one of the greatest architects and designers in Georgian Britain. Adam introduced and popularized design based on ancient classical ornaments, including low relief plasterwork on ceilings and walls; carved and gilded classical motifs on furniture; and chimney pieces which incorporated classical masks, wreaths, and tributes. He created harmony between ceilings and walls by his use of distinctive colors such as pink, green, lilac, and straw. The designer’s genius also extended to his business—he enticed wealthy patrons into creating ambitious projects featuring vaulted ceilings, columns, apses, and niches. Adam’s work in British country houses resulted in social spaces that expressed the finest craftsmanship and highlighted the homeowner’s social status and fashionable taste. Architectural historian and author Jeremy Musson will illustrate country house interiors designed or remodeled by Robert Adam such as Kedleston Hall, Osterley Park, Croome Court, Compton Verny, Newby Hall, Syon House and Saltram. Discover Robert Adam's lasting artistic legacy of elegant classicism. 

JEREMY MUSSON is an architectural historian, writer, consultant, and lecturer. His career has included curating and broadcasting. His consultancy roles cover heritage advice on major historic buildings, as well as advising on major new design projects in sensitive contexts.