History of the House

Charles Rennie Mackintosh is born in the Townhead area of Glasgow on 7th June 1868, the fourth of eleven children.

Moves to Denniston. He is surrounded by buildings spanning medieval design to modern steel frames. Not the healthiest of children, he spends a lot of time indoors drawing plants and flowers inspired by his garden-loving, policeman father, William.

Studies architectural and technical drawing at this selective secondary school.

Begins an apprenticeship with Glasgow architect John Hutchison and, in the evening, attends Glasgow School of Art.

A position with Honeyman & Keppie marks the beginning of his architectural and design career.

Wins the Alexander Thomson Travelling Studentship allowing him to travel across Europe. He is drawn to Italy where he studies classical architecture, which will have a profound impact on future designs.

Begins a collaboration with artists Margaret Macdonald, Frances Macdonald and Herbert McNair. The ‘Glasgow Four’, or ‘Spook School’, define the Glasgow Style’s fusion of influences, including Celtic Revival, Arts & Crafts and Japonisme.

Commissioned to design what will become his most iconic piece of work.

Commissioned to design what will become his most iconic piece of work.

Charles marries fellow artist and Glasgow Four member, Margaret Macdonald.

While visiting Vienna, Charles, now Glasgow’s most prominent architect, and his new wife Margaret learn of a competition set by German interior design magazine Zeitschrift Fur Innendekoration. to design a ‘Haus Eines Kunstfreundes’, or ‘Art Lover’s House’. The magazine states that ‘the contest may find particular support among our younger, reform-minded architects.”

Charles and Margaret submit their designs for a modern home surrounded by modern things – the perfect collaboration of architect and artist.

The criteria specifies that only “genuinely original modern designs will be considered”, and “it is permissible and even desirable that an Architect and a Decorative Artist of modern tastes develop and submit the design jointly.”

Although client requirements include room sizes, position of staircases, external finishes and a maximum cost, the husband and wife team can enjoy considerable freedom of expression.

“This is probably a more influential building than many of the ones he realised in his lifetime.”
(James Winnett, Tour Guide)

Although lauded for their interpretation of the brief and commended for its distinctive colouring, impressive design and cohesiveness of inner and outer construction, the entry is disqualified on the grounds of a technical breach due to the late entry of interior perspectives.

Perhaps in recognition of Mackintosh’s outstanding submission, no first place is given.
The second prize is awarded to English architect, Bailey Scott.

Mackintosh’s ‘Art Lover’s House’ designs are published throughout Europe.

Although highly detailed, the existing plans submitted for the competition lack the technical detail required to build the property. Consultant Engineer, Graham Roxburgh, employs a team of architects, led by Professor Andy MacMillan, Head of Architecture at the world-renowned Glasgow School of Art, to interpret and ‘complete’ Mackintosh’s artistic vision. Existing Mackintosh buildings provide invaluable references.

A team of hand-picked, highly skilled architects, builders, interior designers and craftsmen work tirelessly researching and experimenting as the project progresses.

The Interior construction and decoration are completed. House for an Art Lover opens to the public.

“I think the overall vision has been realised.”
(Graham Roxburgh, Consultant Engineer)