Robert Mylne

Robert Adam

Robert Mylne (1733–1811), alternative design for the East Façade of Durham Park, 1780. Pen, ink and wash on paper, 430 × 325 mm. DMC 2597.1.

There are two sons of Deacon Mylne’s in Rome at present, studying architecture. One of them had studied in France and has accordingly that abominable taste to perfection: the other, who came straight from Scotland, has made great progress and begins to draw extremely well, so that if he goes on he may become much better than any of those beggarly fellows who torment our native city. For which reason, to keep all superiority in our own hands, it will be absolutely necessary that the family of Adam all see foreign parts, without which that Mylne may turn to our disadvantage – as I assure you he promises well and having it to say he was so long abroad may have sway with many of our Scotch dons for whom, as he is poor, he will work much cheaper than we can do.

In a letter from Rome, 13 December 1755.