August 1910: The Late Mr Stephen Adam

An obituary on page four of The Scotsman, on Thursday the 25th of August, 1910, reads:

 

“THE LATE MR STEPHEN ADAM.—Mr Stephen Adam, a well-known figure in art circles in Glasgow and the West of Scotland,

died at his residence in Bath Street, Glasgow, on Tuesday night. Born sixty-two years ago in Edinburgh, Mr Adam displayed

artistic inclinations at an early age, and he was apprenticed to Mr James Ballantyne, a notable worker in stained glass. After

completing his apprenticeship, he left the East of Scotland, and commenced business in Glasgow, at first as one of a firm and

latterly by himself. Very quickly he acquired a reputation at home and abroad for his stained glass work, and he received

important commissions from far and near. He had an exceptional sense of colour, and many churches and public buildings in

this country, particularly in the West, contain specimens of his fine skill. Amongst his commissions abroad, one of the most

important was the designing of a series of windows for the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, New South Wales, which commemorate

notable families of the colony. One of the last works executed by Mr Adam is a beautiful series of windows for Trinity Church,

Glasgow, representing a number of modern leaders of thought. They are distinctive in conception, and their treatment is in the

highest vein of Mr Adam’s art. His work was all based on the highest ideals, and he displayed a versatility which never effaced

the distinction and purity of his artistic thought. In his studio were trained many workers who have won credit in their craft,

among them being Mr A. A. Webster, with whom he collaborated for the past seven years, and who is still carrying on the

business. Mr Adam had a wide circle of friends, and was popular with all to whom he was known. He had been ailing for some

time prior to his death. He is survived by his widow and family.”

 

 

The British Newspaper Archive.

 

 

George Fairfull-Smith, March 2024.