The Mackintosh House and Mackintosh Tearooms, Glasgow, Scotland
Molly McNair, WithIt
When Americans think of Scotland, they usually picture bagpipes, kilts, and stunning Highland scenery. What they don’t usually think of is Glasgow-born architect, designer, and artist Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Mackintosh’s unique style, inspired by Art Nouveau, Japanese design, and European modernism, bears many similarities to the Prairie Style of Frank Lloyd Wright – but with a unique Scottish twist.
Only a few of Mackintosh’s beautifully designed interiors have been preserved to this day. One of the remaining spaces is the Mackintosh House Museum, tucked away in the Hunterian Art Gallery at Glasgow University. This small exhibit is a careful re-assemblage of interior spaces from the home of Mackintosh and his wife and fellow designer Margaret, along with pieces from fellow Glasgow School artists.
If you’re feeling a little hungry after visiting the museum and are in the mood for some more design, head a few blocks east to the Mackintosh Tearooms, a restaurant/cafe designed by Mackintosh in 1903. There’s nothing better than fresh homemade scones in a unique, beautiful setting.
Hunterian Art Gallery/Mackintosh House: Open Tues-Sun, 10am-5pm
Mackintosh Tearooms: Open daily, 10am-6pm
