Stephen Adam

Stephen Adam (1848–1910) was a 19th/20th-century Scottish influential stained glass designer. He was a pioneer of modern stained glass in Scotland (in terms of colour use, and black in particular). The majority of his work is in the Pre-Raphaelite style, often with a twist towards Celtic mythology, and is mainly sited in western Scotland. Although the bulk of his work is for churches he also received many secular commissions. Life He was born at Bonnington Haugh north of Edinburgh (now absorbed by the city) the son of Alexander Adam. He was educated at Canonmills School. In 1861 he was apprenticed to the Edinburgh stained glass designers, the Ballantine Brothers. He also attended art classes at the Trustees Academy in Edinburgh and Haldane's Academy in Glasgow (later to become Glasgow School of Art). In 1865 he joined the studios of Daniel Cottier at 47 Carrick Street. In 1870 he left to set up his own business at 121 Bath Street in partnership with David Small (1846-1927). He was then living at 4 Cathkin Terrace in the Cathcart district. The partnership was dissolved in 1885.