Charles Rennie Mackintosh
Charles Rennie Mackintosh, one of the most creative figures of the 20th century, was born in Glasgow on the 7th June 1868. He was apprenticed to a local architect John Hutcheson, transferring in 1889 to the larger practice of Honeyman and Keppie.
To complement his architectural apprenticeship, Mackintosh attended evening classes at the Glasgow School of Art, studying various drawing programmes. His talent flourished and he won many student prizes and competitions, including the prestigious Alexander Thomson travelling scholarship which allowed him to make an architectural tour of Italy.
It was at his classes at Glasgow School of Art that he met his future wife Margaret Macdonald, her sister Frances Macdonald, and Herbert Macnair who was also a fellow apprentice with Mackintosh at Honeyman and Keppie. Macnair and Frances would also marry. These close companions would later be known as the collaborative group ‘The Four’, prominent members of the ‘Glasgow School’ movement.
While working in Architecture, Mackintosh developed his own unique style. He took his inspiration from our Scottish traditions and fused them with floral inspired decorative motifs, Art Nouveau and the simplicity of Japanese art.
The project that helped make his international name was the Glasgow School of Art (1897-9109). Mackintosh has become one of the most celebrated architects of his generation and many of his furniture designs have become design icons world-wide.
His works are exhibited in the leading international Museums and Art Galleries.
While working in Architecture, Mackintosh developed his own unique style. He took his inspiration from our Scottish traditions and fused them with floral inspired decorative motifs, Art Nouveau and the simplicity of Japanese art.
The project that helped make his international name was the Glasgow School of Art (1897-9109). Mackintosh has become one of the most celebrated architects of his generation and many of his furniture designs have become design icons world-wide.
His works are exhibited in the leading international Museums and Art Galleries.
12
