Charles Rennie Mackintosh - 150 Years
2018 marks the 150th anniversary of one of Scotland's finest and most renowned artists, Charles Rennie Mackintosh. As you would expect, to celebrate one of our great cultural icons there is a programme of events for all things Mackintosh created by heritage partners from across Glasgow and beyond. We'll be doing our own bit to celebrate too!
Charles Rennie Mackintosh was born in Townhead, Glasgow, on the 7th of June 1868. He was part of a large family of eleven children. After winning a Traveling Student scholarship, Mackintosh began work as an architect in Glasgow where his first major project was the Glasgow Herald Building - now known as the Lighthouse.
Mackintosh spent most of his life in Glasgow and was heavily influenced by its industrial, modernist characteristics. He became an internationally respected architect following the success of projects including the Glasgow School of Art, the Queen's Cross Church in Maryhill and the Hill House in Helensburgh. He also worked in interior design, furniture production, textiles and metalwork.
As his affection for architecture dwindled in later life, Mackintosh became a more prominent artist. He and his wife had been part of 'The Glasgow Four', a collaborative art group since their youth and both were prominent members of the Glasgow School movement. His later work was predominantly in watercolour, particularly after his move to France in 1923.
As is so often the case for great artists, much of Mackintosh's recognition came posthumously. He is widely regarded now as a pioneer of modernism and has a well established and internationally recognised aesthetic.
Today, Glasgow and its surrounding area are home to the world's largest and most important collection of Mackintosh buildings, artifacts, artwork and designs. In this celebratory year, a number of attractions and groups are partaking in the 'Mackintosh 150' events programme:
Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum - host of a major exhibition
The Lighthouse
Glasgow Art Club
V&A Dundee
The Glasgow School of Art
The Hill House
House for an Art Lover
Mackintosh Queen's Cross Church
The Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society
Mackintosh Club
Scotland Street School Museum
The Hunterian
Mackintosh at the Willow
Throughout March we will be posting our selection of the best Mackintosh books on the market - keep an eye out for our Mackintosh Month posts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!