August 1910: “A Distinguished Artist” – Passing of Mr. Stephen Adam

An article on page five of The Milngavie and Bearsden Herald, on Friday the 26th of August, 1910, reads:

 

“A DISTINGUISHED ARTIST.

 

PASSING OF MR. STEPHEN ADAM.

 

By the death of Mr. Stephen Adam, which occurred on Tuesday night at his residence, Bath Street, Glasgow,

at the age of 62 years, a well-known figure has been removed from artistic circles in the city. Born in Edinburgh,

Mr. Adam came to Glasgow after completing his apprenticeship at the well-known house of Ballantyne [sic], and

started business as a decorator and artist in stained glass. His skill in his profession earned for him a wide reputation,

and his commissions included works for abroad as well as at home. In the reception hall of the Royal Prince Alfred

Hospital, N.S.W., a series of windows to perpetuate the memory of notable Colonial families was designed by him. In

Scotland he carried out numerous commissions. He excelled as a colourist, and all his work bore the impress of his

distinction in that direction. To Mr. Adam the knowledge of everything pertaining to the history and manufacture of

stained glass was an open book. His lectures on the subject were a treat to hear, so full were they of informative

knowledge. In his own work, Mr. Adam’s wonderful colour sense was a guide that never failed him. Tributes to his

artistic skill are to be found in many churches, particularly in Glasgow and the West of Scotland.

 

Always courteous in bearing and manner, Mr. Adam was a most likeable man. He had a wide circle of friends, not only

in the artistic circles in which he mostly moved, but among various classes in the city. When inclined to be reminiscent,

he could tell many good stories dealing with both Edinburgh and Glasgow life.

 

Latterly Mr. Adam did not enjoy very robust health, and a prolonged holiday failed to restore him to his wonted condition.

During his illness the business was ably conducted by his partner, Mr. Alf. A. Webster, who had for the last seven years

collaborated in the work, and who will continue to carry it on on behalf of Mrs. Adam and the family.

 

Several beautiful windows in New Kilpatrick Church are a tribute to the remarkable colour sense of Mr. Adam.”

 

 

 

The British Newspaper Archive.

 

 

 

George Fairfull-Smith, December 2023.