The Adam Interior

NOTE: There is no sound with this video

Robert Adam was one of the most celebrated architects of his day

In 1768, he was commissioned to refurbish part of Saltram House in Devon

Adam created a suite of rooms in the Neo-classical style to update the house

He controlled all aspects of the design of the room

The ceiling was always a key feature of Adam's decorative schemes

He chose pastel shades rather than white for the background

This makes the plasterwork relief stand out

Many of Adam's ceilings incorporated paintings by fashionable artists

The ceiling roundels are by Antonio Zucchi

Adam designed the carpet to compliment the ceiling

It echoes the ceiling without quite matching it

This is a visual device often used by Adam

He frequently repeated motifs as variations on a theme

Adam collaborated on the furnishings with many other artists and designers

Most of the furniture was supplied by the firm of Thomas Chippendale

It was all designed by Adam, even this picture frame

The motifs reflect those used elsewhere in the room

The large mirrors reflected candlelight into the room

Manufacturer Matthew Boulton made the Candelabra to Adam's design

The saloon at Saltram is one of the finest surviving examples of Adam's work

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