Leighton Library, Dunblane

Scotland's oldest purpose-built independent library founded in 1687

Leighton Library has a 1764 first edition of "Ruins of the palace of the Emperor Diocletian at Spalatro in Dalmatia" by Robert Adam

Added at 06:34 on 03 July 2024

The Leighton Library has a 1764 first edition of "Ruins of the palace of the Emperor Diocletian at Spalatro in Dalmatia" by celebrated Scottish architect, furniture and interior designer, Robert Adam, who was born #OnThisDay 3 July 1728. Regarded as one of Europe's great architects he was inspired by the classical ruins he had studied whilst on a tour of France and Italy. It was on his return journey from this tour, studying classical architecture and honing his drawing skills, that he spent time intensively studying the ruins of Diocletian's Palace at Spalatro in Dalmatia (now known as Split, in modern Croatia). He was a leader of the classical revival and influenced the development of Western architecture in Europe and in North America (notable buildings he designed include Syon House, Culzean Castle, Kedleston Hall, and Harewood House).