ROBERT ADAM TO REGENCY: Neoclassicism in Britain with Christopher Menz

The pursuit of neoclassicism during the second half of the 18th century developed in Europe, directly influenced by excavations carried out at Herculaneum and Pompeii from 1738 and 1748 respectively. The influence of the newly discovered ancient art and architecture on European design and architecture was vast. Robert Adam was the major British architect of the second half of the 18th century and was the seminal figure in the spread of neoclassical taste in Britain and Europe.

Christopher Menz is a specialist in decorative arts and has published extensively on the subject. He has worked as Curator at the National Gallery of Australia, National Gallery of Victoria and Art Gallery of South Australia. From 2005 to 2010 he was Director of the Art Gallery of South Australia.