Adams studied at the Northampton School of Art from 1933.

Internationally renowned British artists, Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth were early influences although Adams became more interested in the non-figurative work of artists such as Brancusi and Picasso.

Whilst teaching sculpture at the Central School of Arts and Crafts 1949-60, Adams became associated with a group of artists, led by Victor Pasmore, who were committed to constructed abstract art.

Adams' early work is carved from wood or stone and from the mid-1950s he used bronze, welded iron and concrete. He was one of a number of significant modern British sculptors working in post-war Britain.

Adams also produced works on paper, including engravings, monotypes, lithographs and drawings.

At the Venice Biennale in 1962, a series of 'Screens' were shown, made from welded segments of sheet steel.

Retrospectives held at Northampton Art Gallery in 1971 and Gimpel Fils in 2003.

Tate Gallery, Arts Council, British Council, and the Museum of Modern Art, New York hold examples of his work