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Vaulting Ambition - The Adam Brothers: contractors to the metropolis in the reign of George III
By 
1stAngel | March 24, 2008
Art Gallery & Museum, Clarence Street, Cheltenham, GL50 3JT UK
Vaulting Ambition
19 APR – 24 May 08
Vaulting Ambition tells the story of the 18th century Adam brothers – Robert, John, James and William who were architects and partners in the business William Adam & Co. The exhibition illustrates, through a number of fascinating objects, a tale of genius, arrogance, boom and bust, broken relationships and audacious building schemes.
The focus of the exhibition is the Adelphi development which was built in the Strand in London from 1768. Adelphi is translated as ‘brothers’ in Greek, and the Adelphi development was very much a filial affair. Visitors can feast their eyes on a selection of paintings of the scheme, including both watercolours and oil paintings. Vibrant ceiling designs, including one for the house of the actor David Garrick will also be on show. Garrick was a huge celebrity of the day - so getting him to move into the Adelphi was a huge coup for the Adam clan.
One of the most intriguing items in the exhibition is the ticket from the Adelphi Lottery. This item illustrates a crucial stage in the Adam Brothers’ story, principally the establishment of a private lottery to prevent the company from financial ruin.
The exhibition also contains some superb architectural drawings from the Adam office. One of the works, a Perspective View of Bath Terrace shows what Bath might have looked like - as it was never adopted by the city. The Bath items, two of which have been included especially for the Cheltenham show, offer an insight into how the Adam brothers visualised an ideal spa town.
Miniatures of the Georgian brothers, with perfect Neo-Classical profiles also form part of the exhibition. Unfortunately these four brothers who started out as such a close-knit brethren ended up falling out dramatically. Competitive in-fighting and irresponsible business speculation – the Adams brothers always seemed to hanker for the high life – chipped away at their once promising empire. The last surviving brother, William, committed suicide in 1802.
Vaulting Ambition is a captivating exhibition, its superb artefacts telling a unique and rich story about a family dynasty and a crucial and exciting period in Britain’s architectural history.
For further information and images, please contact Sophia Wilson, Exhibitions & Education Manager, or Anna Stanway, Marketing & Information Officer, Tel: 01242-237431
Opening times: Monday – Saturday 10.00-5.20 • Closed Bank Holidays • Admission free, donations welcome (First Thursday of each month open from 11.00am)
| 2.5 |
Topics: Exhibitions |