Charles Rennie Mackintosh

In 1903 the famous Scottish architect and designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh designed a new tea room for Miss Cranston at 217 Sauchiehall Street in Glasgow.

On 29 October 1903 Miss Cranston opens The Willow, her Art House Tea Room, and it was a huge success. Thanks to Mackintosh’s design.

Not only did he design the exterior and interior but he also designed the cutlery and waitresses dresses.

After an extensive restoration Mackintosh at the Willow re-opened to the public on 7th September 2018.

Now you can dine in the historic tearooms and visit the new interactive visitor centre.

Willow Tea Room

We visited the Willow Tea Room before and after the restoration. It is absolutely a must-see if you are a Mackintosh admirer.

The Room de Luxe is one of the most precious interiors which Mackintosh ever designed.

The room today still has the original pair of stained-glass doors along with the leaded mirror frieze with purple panelling below.

The Gallery on the mezzanine floor overlooking the back salon is our favourite area because of the ceiling. It has open beams allowing the light to flow through.

Images by mackintoshatthewillow.com
Walking

From the Mackintosh at the Willow, you can start a walk along the remarkable architecture Charles Rennie Mackintosh created in Glasgow.

The Mackintosh in Glasgow walk takes approximately 1½ hours.

City Centre Mural Trail

In Glasgow City Centre, there are huge pieces of art adorning some of the city’s buildings. Together these form the City Centre Mural Trail.

We love this trail because it features a diverse range of arts set within one easy walking area.

Mackintosh in Glasgow walk

Cool Places to Explore: Mackintosh House | Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum | Glasgow Cathedral | Glasgow University.