Scotland Glasgow

• Glasgow Hotels
• Glasgow Airport
• Live Webcam
• Shopping
• Going Out
• Art & Design
• Culture
• History
• Getting Around
• Charles Rennie Makintosh
• More Accommodation Sites

Charles Rennie Mackintosh

Charles Rennie MackIntosh was one of the most adventurous architects of the turn of the century. Despite his working class family's indifference, MackIntosh managed to find a place at the Glasgow School of Art to study architecture.

He quickly developed a style which blended together elements of Gothic and Art Nouveau with Scottish Baronial. His first important commission was the design of the furniture and decor of a tea room in Buchanan Street for a local business woman, Kate Cranston Although no longer in existence, a similar commission for the same client still exists at the Willow Tea Rooms at 217 Sauchiehall St. During the summer months it tends to be very busy, and is open from 9.30am until 5pm.

There are examples of his work in this area, most notably the Glasgow School of Art where at the age of 28 he was asked to submit plans for new premises. His 'modern' approach was not always appreciated by the more stoic element in the city, and there was an outcry when the building was finally completed.

The Glasgow School of Art in Renfrew Street is a short walk from Queen's Cross Church. Francis Newberry, the principal of the college, encouraged the board to accept their former student's designs and the Glasgow School of Art was built in two stages between 1897 and 1909. This is the best example, both inside and out, of MackIntosh's work. The exterior oriel windows stretch the length of four floors, allowing considerable north light into the studios. There is a mock-Baronial east wing and a softer western half. Tours led by staff or students are available four times a day during the summer and twice a day in the winter. The interior is actually more fascinating than the outside with the usual MackIntosh touches, high backed chairs and other unusual furniture. The library is best appreciated looking down from the Furniture Gallery.

Over the past 50 years the works of Charles Rennie MackIntosh has been more locally appreciated. However since Glasgow's 1990 'Year of Culture', it has gained wide popularity to the point that his elongated lettering style, furniture and relish for purple glass embellishments have become widespread. Beside Glasgow there are other architectural examples of his work in Helensburgh and Comrie.