Discover Charles Rennie Mackintosh
Celebrating one of Glasgow's greatest cultural icons
There are plenty of things going on in Glasgow to keep delegates entertained in their free time but as it’s Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s 150th birthday today, we’ve put together some ideas for delegates should they wish to find out more about one of Glasgow’s greatest cultural icons during their time in the city.
Charles Rennie Mackintosh: Making the Glasgow Style
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is hosting a major new exhibition which explores the lifetime of Charles Rennie Mackintosh. It presents his work in the context of Glasgow, his key predecessors, influences and contemporaries, particularly those working in the Glasgow Style.
Delegates will have the chance to see a number of objects which have never previously been on public display and many others which have not been seen in 30 years or more.
Miss Cranston’s original Willow Tea Rooms on Sauchiehall Street is set to open July 2018 after undergoing a restoration by the Willow Tea Rooms Trust. Visitors will soon be able to access a new exhibition and visitor centre which celebrates the the achievements of Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh, Miss Kate Cranston and of course, Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
Mackintosh House at The Hunterian, University of Glasgow
Experience the beauty and quiet atmosphere of the Mackintoshes’ private home at the Mackintosh House at The Hunterian.
The couple transformed their mid 19th-century house which they lived in from 1906 to 1914, structurally remodeling the interiors as well as decorating and furnishing the rooms according to their distinctive aesthetic.
This house was originally demolished in the early 1960s but the fixtures, including windows, doors, fireplaces & staircase, were preserved and the principal interiors reassembled as an integral part of the Hunterian Art Gallery. The sequence of rooms, views, & effects of natural light reflect the original as closely as possible.
This year, a new Mackintosh interpretation centre is set to open, making it a must-see attraction even if you've visited before.
Click here for more information on guided tours and general admissions.
The Lighthouse in Mitchell Lane is a great starting point for anyone looking to learn a bit about Mackintosh and his work. Formerly housing The Glasgow Herald, The Lighthouse was the first public commission completed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and is now home to a permanent Mackintosh Interpretation Centre.
You can also climb the helical staircase in the Mackintosh Tower to experience stunning views across the city.
The Mackintosh Festival, October 2018
Now in its seventh year, the annual Mackintosh Festival will take place throughout October 2018 across a range of venues.
From walks, workshops and exhibitions to performances and talks, events are designed for all ages and will appeal to those who are new to Mackintosh, as well as established aficionados.
The full programme will be launched in August 2018 and feature a range of formats with free exhibitions and workshops, ticketed tours and sociable evenings with food and drink.
There are many more Mackintosh exhibitions, events and seminars taking place through 2018, check out People Make Glasgow for more inspiration.
