HYLAND
came the Grand Tour—all roads,
from London to Calais, Brussels
and Paris—led to Rome, where
Robert stayed until 1757, studying
under the French architect and
artist Charles-Louis Clerisseau
and the great Italian artist,
Giovanni Battista Piranesi. He
also delved into the work of the
classical archaeologist and art
historian, Winckelmann; hence,
his fascination with ruins and
antiquities of all kinds, particularly
sculpture. It goes without saying
that Adam's erudition in classic
literature, in the languages in
which it was written, informs his
use of classical motif and myth.
Ornament chez Adam is never
surface; it is deeply meaningful.
By the time Robert Adam
undertook the redesign of
Syon House, he had developed
a full-fledged conception of
architecture and interior design
as "movement," reaction against
the English Palladian style of
the previous generation, which
he considered ponderous.
Contrast and diversity were his
watchwords, evinced by rooms
varying in size and decorative
scheme, often drawing motifs
Red drawing room
