Mon, 12 October 2026 | 6:30 -8:30pm | Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1EL

Robert Adam referred to himself as ‘Bob the Roman’ in letters from Italy to his family, reflecting his fascination with Italian culture. His British clients would commission Italian painters living in Britain to provide historical and mythological scenes to adorn their new Adam rooms. Though little known today, these artists were among the finest of the era, and included founding members of the Royal Academy. A closer look at their works reveals their valuable contributions to Adam’s interiors.

Katherine McHale, the author of Ingenious Italians: Immigrant Artists in Eighteenth-Century Britain, received her PhD from the University of St Andrews. She has lectured in London, New York City, Rome, and Venice.

AHSS Forth & Borders Group Winter Lecture Series

£6 online/in-person | £2 students

• All of our events are hybrid with options to attend either in-person or online via Zoom.
• Online ticket sales end at 5 pm on the day of the event.
• The venue is wheelchair accessible.