Charles Rennie Mackintosh
4 Scottish Trailblazers Who Changed the World
The genius of Charles Rennie Mackintosh was that he forged a new style for a new age, and influenced design for all time. Born in Glasgow in 1868, he studied at the Glasgow School of Art, an institute that would later be redesigned by him in what is recognised as his masterpiece. He worked in Glasgow on schools, a church, homes and offices, but did not simply draw up the architectural plans. Mackintosh took over every aspect of design – the furniture, lamps, doors, locks and even hatstands.
Intriguing stories will help you understand what motivated Charles Rennie Mackintosh. I’ll discuss the role played by his artist wife Margaret, describe the influence he had in Europe before he was appreciated at home, and will examine the tourist trail that exists in his name today. The talk is illustrated with photographs, paintings, exteriors and interiors of buildings and fabulous furniture – you’ll have plenty to look at while you listen.
He married a fellow student, Margaret Macdonald. Along with his friend Herbert McNair, and Margaret’s sister Frances, they formed ‘The Four’ and were invited to Europe where their work was acclaimed. However, Glaswegians were slow to appreciate such radical new work. Margaret worked with her husband on his projects, creating panels, tiles and textiles to be incorporated into the rooms he created.
Mackintosh fell from popularity and his last years were sad ones, beset by financial and health problems. He died in London in 1928, seemingly forgotten. Today he appears on a bank note, there is a society in his name, and a statue of him in Glasgow. This talk examines his life and his extraordinary achievements and legacy
Fascinating person and wonderful architecture and art.
Great series Susannah – I loved the variety of trailblazers, the wonderful slides and I learned so much.
Just a quickie to say how successful (I’m sure), but how interesting and entertaining your four talks on Scottish writers have been. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every Monday afternoon.
Yesterday’s was particularly interesting on Charles Rennie Mackintosh. I have admired his furniture for ages and came to realise how similar his drawings were to Klimpf (as you mentioned) who I have come to know about since a visit to Budapest a few years ago. Isn’t it a shame that these geniuses are not appreciated more in their lifetimes? They have brave fresh ways of looking at the mundane and are not afraid of being less popular, and poorer for it.
I wanted to say thank you yet again for another wonderful lecture series – loved the Scottish trailblazers! Being married to a Scot and having lived over there for 5.5 years, I grew to know about all these trailblazers except for Mary Somerville.
We are great fans of CR Mackintosh – even my husband watched your lecture last night!!
I look forward to more trailblazers as you develop them.
I had never heard of Charles Rennie Mackintosh until now.
What superb style and art we have seen tonight through his trailblazing work.
Thanks so much, Susannah for, as usual, a wonderful talk.
Tricia Koffel
So very much enjoyed your talk on Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Susannah. I first became aware of him when the daughter of close English friends was transferred to Helensburgh. A family visit to Hill House resulted in their sending a booklet about Mackintosh to me and over the years that has been followed by more Mackintosh, including a beautiful calendar from which I have framed two of my favourites. I myself have visited 78 Derngate – what a beautiful place! And one day, hopefully, a trip to the Mackintosh at the Willow would be wonderful. I learnt so much from your talk – congratulations and thank you!
Warm regards,
Tricia
Susannah Fullerton
Tricia, I am delighted you so enjoyed the talk. I do envy you your calendar, but am going to look for one when I visit Scotland next year. His designs are just so stunning.
And I really hope you get to enjoy morning or afternoon tea at Mackintosh at the Willow. Isn’t it fabulous that it has been recently ‘saved’ and is again in such good repair.