The Versatility of Tradition: an exhibition of the works of Nigel Anderson

On 26 June 2025, to mark Nigel Anderson’s retirement after almost four decades at ADAM Architecture an exhibition of his work, The Versatility of Tradition, opened at The Pavilion in Winchester Cathedral.

Spanning nearly four decades, Nigel’s work has left a lasting mark on classical and traditional design. A director of ADAM Architecture for 37 years, his vision and artistry was showcased through a curated selection of images, architectural drawings, and scale models.

The exhibition was accompanied by a catalogue which has an introduction by the architectural historian Jeremy Musson. He describes Nigel as: “a quietly consistent presence in the unfolding narrative of ADAM Architecture”, with “a great benevolent cheerfulness” when visiting houses he’d designed “that it always seemed to be sunny on our visits. He showed discreet satisfaction and delight in the fact the houses […] looked established in their settings and were working so well for their occupants”.

Although the exhibition included several Queen Anne-inspired houses, “his consistent interests [were] around the Arts and Crafts movement in Britain, and the butterfly plan form associated with that period ­­– although I would argue there is also a hint of the Regency taste for the canted plan as seen in the hands of Nash and Wyatville”. The butterfly plan had a particular fascination for Nigel when combined with classical elevations, with what he described as “the intricacy and the idiosyncrasy of their internal layouts”.

Hugh Petter, close colleague of Nigel’s for many years, and a partner at ADAM Architecture, said: “Nigel has never really sought the recognition that he so richly deserves. I am really delighted to have this exhibition to celebrate not only his professional design work, but also to celebrate the man who has been a leader, mentor, friend and colleague to so many of us for so long.”