Charles Rennie Mackintosh Tour, Glasgow Tour

April 2, 2011 catswhiskers Comments off

House for an Art Lover, Glasgow, by Mackintosh

This morning, I met with my tour group in George Square, Glasgow and then proceeded to House for an Art Lover which was open to the public for just one hour today. Fortunately, our timing was right and we arrived at opening at 10.00am. Interior was very impressive, especially the music room. This building was designed in 1901 but constructed 1989-1996. Now very popular as a weddings venue.

Oval Room at House for Art Lover, Glasgow

Music Room at house for Art Lover, Glasgow

Next we headed to nearby Scotland Street School which was designed 1903-1906. Now presents the history of education in Scotland. Visitors are free to admire the architecture.

Scotland Street School by Mackintosh, Glasgow

Our next destination was the Mackintosh Church and nearby Ruchill Church Hall. Unfortunately the Church weas closed today but we were able to enter and admire the Church Hall which is still in use as a community centre.

Ruchill Church Hall, Glasgow, by Mackintosh

Our next destination was central Glasgow. First we called in at the Mackintosh designed Lighthouse (originally known as the Glasgow Herald Building). This has a floor dedicated to Mackintosh’s work, including furniture.

Helical Stairs at Lighthouse by Mackintosh

Mackintosh design at Lighthouse, Glasgow

After the lighthouse we walked round to the Daily Record Building:http://flic.kr/p/9vjjfF Here Mackintosh has successfully combined sculpted sandstone and white glazed bricks to maximise light. We had lunch here, at the Stereo cafe.

After lunch we drove round to the Glasgowe School of Art (1899-1909). Has been called the most important building worldwide in that decade. Here guests availed of a guided tour of the interior lasting about 1 hour.

Glasgow School of Art, designed by Mackintosh

Side Elevation, Glasgow School of Art by Mackintosh

Finally, we headed to a non Mackintosh site, namely the Necropolis which houses some magnificent burial memorials. This burial ground was founded in 1832 to accommodatete the ballooning death rate in Glasgow in turn a function of an exploding population coupled with appalling living conditions and disease. The high elevation offers good views of the Glasgow conurbation including nearby Cathedral.