Basic Biographical Details Name: | William John Adam | Designation: | | Born: | 1 December 1909 | Died: | c. August 1988 | Bio Notes: | William John Adam was born on 1 December 1909, presumably a Scot, and was articled to Greig & Bell of 25 Allan Park, Stirling in April 1926. During his apprenticeship he undertook formal studies in building construction, history of architecture and land surveying, and engaged in outdoor sketching. On completion of his training in 1931 he moved to London where he was appointed assistant to Searle & Searle, working on domestic and commercial contracts. In 1934 he moved to the office of J Ambrose Dartnall, where he was engaged principally on the design of Leytonstone Library and shop and flat developments. The following year he joined Marshall & Tweedy as chief assistant, taking charge of contracts for blocks of flats, schools, a cinema and shop, and flat developments, as well as undertaking domestic contracts on his own account.
In 1939 Adam was mobilised with the Territorial Army. Two years later, in July 1941, he secured a post as chief assistant to L H Fewster, a former partner in the Marshall & Tweedy firm who was then practising on his own account at 22 Conduit Street, London and was involved in the construction of naval camps and hostels. Adam was still in Fewster's office when he was admitted LRIBA on 15 June 1943, his proposers being Dartnall, Leonard Arthur Culliford and Leonard Keir Hett. In his supporting statement, Hett, a partner in the Searle & Searle practice, wrote that he had known Adam since 1931 and stated: 'he was employed by me as assistant on various important works, including contracts up to £90,000. He was a hard worker and showed great ability in design, construction and draughtsmanship.' Adam stated in his nomination papers that he had 'taken a lively interest in the design and construction of pre-fabricated buildings with a view to post-war problems'.
Adam resigned his RIBA membership in 1981, at which time he was living at Doune Cottage, Kings Ash, Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire. He died in 1988, his death being registered in August of that year in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. | Private and Business AddressesThe following private or business addresses are associated with this : | | Address | Type | Date from | Date to | Notes | | 112, Greencroft Gardens, Hampstead, London, England | Private | 1943 * | | | | 21, Abbotbury Close, London, England | Private | 1970 | | | | Doune Cottage, Kings Ash, Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire, England | Private | 1981 * | | |
* earliest date known from documented sources.
Employment and TrainingEmployers* earliest date known from documented sources.
RIBARIBA Proposers
Buildings and DesignsThis was involved with the following buildings or structures from the date specified (click on an item to view details): | | Date started | Building name | Town, district or village | Island | City or county | Country | Notes | | 1960s | Town Centre shops | East Kilbride | | Lanarkshire | Scotland | |
ReferencesBibliographic ReferencesThe following books contain references to this : | | Author(s) | Date | Title | Part | Publisher | Notes | | RIBA | 1970 | RIBA Directory 1970 | | | |
Archive ReferencesThe following archives hold material relating to this : | | Source | Archive Name | Source Catalogue No. | Notes | | RIBA Archive, Victoria & Albert Museum | RIBA Nomination Papers | | L no5426 (combined box 78) |
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