It's the Little Things

Went to see Jerusalem tonight, without my camera (or at least without it in the auditorium). This is the entrance to Adam House, the venue tonight. The building, as the plaques on either side of the front door describe, is named to commemorate the Adam family of architects - James, Robert and William, the sons of William Adam (1689-1748). William senior was the leading Scottish architect of his time, designing many grand buildings, most notably Hopetoun House outside Edinburgh and the original Edinburgh Infirmary. Robert produced the plans for Edinburgh University Old College across the road from Adam House. The brothers' architectural practise was actually in Adam Square that was demolished when Chambers Street was built.

Adam House is a mock-Georgian building that despite appearances was only completed in 1954. The architect was Sir William Kininmonth (1904 - 1988) and it was built primarily as an examination hall. It is still the location for many student exams, as well as being used as a venue during the Fringe and an exhibition space. The Grads use the 160-seat traditional theatre in the basement.

The building is described as "a quirky but dynamic modern building, in an ascetic style more usual in Prague and Paris than Scotland's capital". I like the curves and lines here, although despair at whoever it was that allowed that visible cable ducting to that switch on the left-hand side of the door, or to what is presumably the smoke alarm sensor on the ceiling.

It was good to see the play as an audience member and be able to enjoy some excellent performances and take in the fantastic set in all its little details.