Charles Rennie Mackintoshh


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018 is the 150th anniversary of the birth of celebrated Glasgow architect, designer and artist Charles Rennie


Mackintosh (1868–1928). His unique and innovative style would change the art world forever. He was a gifted architect and his beautiful simple designs are loved by many all over the world. Mackintosh grew up in the Townhead and Dennistoun (Firpark Terrace) areas of Glasgow, and he attended Reid’s Public School and the Allan Glen’s Institution.


In 1890 Mackintosh was the second winner of the Alexander Thomson Travelling Studentship, set up for the ‘furtherance of the study of ancient classic architecture, with special reference to the principles illustrated in Mr. Thomson’s works. While working in architecture, Mackintosh developed his own unique style: a contrast between strong right angles and floral-inspired decorative motifs with subtle curves, exemplified by the Mackintosh Rose motif, along with references to traditional Scottish architecture. The project that helped make his international reputation was the Glasgow School of Art (1897–1909). Like his contemporary, Frank Lloyd Wright, Mackintosh’s architectural designs often included extensive specifications for the detailing, decoration, and furnishing of his buildings. The majority if not all of this detailing and significant contributions to his architectural drawings were designed and detailed by his wife Margaret Macdonald whom Charles had met when they both attended the Glasgow School of Art.


46 Listed Heritage Magazine September/October 2018


fire was thought to be from spark from a projector used in a student project. The library was recognised as being one of the finest examples of Art Nouveau in the world.


His work was shown at the Vienna Secession Exhibition in 1900. Mackintosh’s architectural career was a relatively short one, but of significant quality and impact. All his major commissions were between 1895 and 1906, including designs for private homes (Hill House Helensburgh), commercial buildings (Willow Tea Rooms), interior renovations and churches.


GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART Glasgow School of Art is regarded as Mackintosh’s architectural masterpiece, one of the most influential buildings ever constructed in Great Britain. It combines his love of nature with his later travels as a student through Europe. Taking inspiration from the Art Nouveau movement Mackintosh wanted a harmonious environment for both students and teachers. The school was built in two phases: the East Wing in 1897–1899 and the West Wing from 1907–1909.


Sadly in 2014 the iconic library at the Glasgow School of Art was devastated by a fire which swept through the building. The cause of the


The Category A listed building was undergoing a £32million renovation, and was expected to be completed in February 2019, when it was again ravaged by fire on the evening of June 15th 2018. At its height, a total of 120 firefighters and 20 fire engines were at the scene using water straight from the River Clyde. Unlike in the 2014 fire, all floors of the building were affected and the fire also spread to neighbouring buildings. The severity of the fire was such that it caused structural movement of the walls of the art school making rescue efforts even more difficult. The building, a national treasure, will undoubtedly have a future but the effects of the fire will be long lasting and will influence how the building is rebuilt as a working art school.


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