He was born in
Cambridge on 30 April 1922 the son of Prof John Couch Adams, grandson of his namesake astronomer grandfather,
John Couch Adams. His university career was long and varied. He first studied English at
Glasgow University. His studies were interrupted by the
Second World War during which he was wounded, and after the war he "found religion" and studied to be a minister at
New College, Edinburgh. He then changed direction again and spent three years at
Edinburgh College of Art under Sir
William George Gillies. He then undertook postgraduate studies at the
University of British Columbia and the Institute of Fine Arts in
New York. His first post was as a lecturer in Art History at University College, Hull. He was Head of the Fine Art Department at the
University of Nottingham from 1956 to 1982, being granted his professorship in 1963. He died in
Edinburgh on 21 December 1992. He is buried in the 20th century extension to
Dean Cemetery in the west of the city. ==Family==