The city of Glasgow is a treat for architecture lovers. It is known for its Victorian buildings – both domestic and public – and also for the distinctive Glasgow Style. The latter was largely developed by the architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, and his influence can be seen throughout the city. I set out to explore the life and work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh in Glasgow through a number of his most important buildings.
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Charles Rennie Mackintosh And The Glasgow Style
Charles Rennie Mackintosh was born in Glasgow in 1868 and trained at the Glasgow School of Art, where he developed the distinctive aesthetic that would later become known as the Glasgow Style. It was here that he met his wife, Margaret Macdonald, whose distinctive gesso panels and symbolic motifs became central to the couple’s shared creative vision.
Mackintosh’s work combined a variety of influences, including Art Nouveau, contemporary Japanese art, and geometric forms. He had a deep interest in interior design, and his buildings were conceived as complete works, with the architecture, furniture and decorative details forming a unified whole.
Mackintosh At The Willow
Start your exploration at Mackintosh at the Willow on Sauchiehall Street. This is the original Willow Tea Rooms, designed in 1903-04 for the entrepreneur Catherine Cranston. Cranston was a businesswoman who created the concept of tea rooms as stylish, alcohol‑free social spaces for the city’s growing middle class. Her collaboration with Mackintosh on the Sauchiehall Street premises gave him the freedom to experiment with colour, light and symbolism.
Today, the building is owned by the National Trust for Scotland and houses an exhibition area alongside the tea room. This includes displays about the history of Glasgow and the lives and achievements of Mackintosh and Cranston. It also discusses the establishment of tea rooms, showing how they were linked to the temperance movement. Upstairs you will find information about the design of the Willow Tea Rooms and, in particular, about the chairs and other furniture.
It is possible to take a guided tour to learn more about the building and its history. Or you could just enjoy a cup of tea or a light lunch in the elegant surroundings of the tea room itself.
The Mackintosh House
Another must-see property is the Mackintosh House. Housed within the Hunterian Museum at the University of Glasgow, this is a meticulous reconstruction of the home shared by Mackintosh and his wife Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh. The original house was demolished in the 1960s, but the interiors were preserved and reassembled so that visitors could step into the couple’s domestic world.
The house is impressive, uncluttered with lots of clean lines and very light. It highlights Mackintosh’s approach to interior design, with every element, from the furniture to the wall panelling, carefully planned. His geometric forms combine with Margaret Macdonald’s decorative panels based on nature and fantasy to create a harmonious whole.
Each room is individually created to suit its purpose. So visitors are struck by the contrast as they move from one room to another, from the richly decorated drawing room, to the simple bedroom, to the dazzlingly light-filled White Bedroom.
Mackintosh Queen’s Cross Church
Built in the 1890s, Mackintosh Queen’s Cross is the only church designed by Mackintosh. It is no longer in use as a church but is open to visitors who can explore the space which still retains all of its original features (apart from the chairs, which are reproductions). The building incorporates typical Mackintosh design elements including wall carvings and a couple of window panels. The original drawings for the church are also on display.
The adjoining church hall has a film about Mackintosh and his work, and some interesting models of buildings that were designed but never built. The church is also home to the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society, which promotes research and public engagement with his work. They also offer tours of the church and walking tours of Glasgow city centre.
Other Mackintosh Sites In Glasgow
There are a number of other places in the city where you can explore the influence of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the Glasgow Style.
House for an Art Lover
A little way from the city centre is the House for an Art Lover. Located in Bellahouston Park (take the subway to Ibrox), this was designed by Mackintosh in 1901 although not actually built until the 1990s, long after his death. Today it acts as an arts and events space, and houses a café and an exhibition of the architect’s work.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery
The Kelvingrove Art Gallery is a major museum to the west of the city. It includes the Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Glasgow Style Gallery, a large and important display devoted to the architecture, interiors, and decorative features of the Glasgow Style.
Willow Tea Rooms And Mackintosh Gift Shop
The Willow Tea Rooms and Mackintosh Gift Shop on Buchanan Street are a modern interpretation of Mackintosh’s aesthetic. While not an original design, they offer a pleasant place for lunch or afternoon tea, and a gift shop with a large range of Mackintosh-inspired items.
The Lighthouse
The Lighthouse on Mitchell Lane was Mackintosh’s first public commission. Originally the offices of The Glasgow Herald, it features a distinctive tower and spiral staircase. It is currently closed to visitors, but the tower can be seen from outside.
Glasgow School of Art
The Mackintosh Building of the Glasgow School of Art is regarded as one of Scotland’s finest buildings, and a major example of the work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Unfortunately, however, it suffered severe fire damage in 2014 and 2018, and there are ongoing discussions about its future.
How To Discover Charles Rennie Mackintosh In Glasgow
- It is possible to take a private guided tour with an expert guide, including entrance to the Mackintosh Tearooms exhibition.
- You can also explore independently with a series of tour leaflets produced by the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society.
- If you have a longer visit, you could take the train to Helensburgh Upper (approximately 1 hour journey) to visit The Hill House, a collaboration between Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh that is considered their domestic masterpiece.
- There is a wide variety of accommodation available in Glasgow. I stayed at the Arthouse Glasgow, housed in a historic building close to Sauchiehall Street and a short walk from the city centre.
- In addition to the city’s architectural heritage, culture lovers should note that Glasgow is also a UNESCO City of Music, one of several UNESCO sites across Scotland.
