Whereas its 56 companion volumes were pieced together after Robert (1728-92) and James (1732-94) had died, this is the only one that was compiled while the Adam office was in business. Comprising a collection of frieze designs from numerous commissions undertaken by the Adam brothers throughout their career, the volume is drawn in a single draughtsman’s hand, as a cohesive project, and seamlessly runs from the commissions of one patron to another. However, despite the density of Adam scholarship and the unusual nature of this volume, number 53 has received almost no attention. Its date, authorship and purpose are all shrouded in mystery, and here will be the subject of detailed observation for the first time.
The volume will be on display for perusal at the end of this fascinating talk by Curator of Drawings and Books, Dr. Frances Sands.
The Soane Museum Study Group is an open forum for scholars – both established and emerging – to present new research into an aspect of architectural history and/or Soane’s collection.
On arrival, please come to no. 14 Lincoln’s Inn Fields. The door will be staffed from 6.00pm.
Dr Frances Sands is the Curator of Drawings and Books at Sir John Soane’s Museum where she has worked since 2010.
