Did you know that when Charles Rennie Mackintosh died, his entire estate was valued at just £88?

Glaswegian-born Mackintosh, a designer, architect and artist, was the foremost Celtic exponent of Art Nouveau and had a considerable influence on European art. But he is an even more enigmatic figure today than when he was alive.  Both Mackintosh’s and his wife Margaret Macdonald’s work has a distinctive character, one that captures the transition between the Victorian era and the Modern age.

Charles Rennie Mackintosh is widely considered to have been a significant influence on Modernist architecture. Similarly, the interior furnishings and decoration he designed in collaboration with his wife Margaret, an important artist in her own right, are regarded as major examples of Art Nouveau. They created a distinctive approach to architecture, art and interior design, incorporating the Aesthetic, Symbolism, Celtic and Nordic influences, the Arts and Crafts Movement and European Art Nouveau, which with a small group of fellow artists has been given its own label, the Glasgow Style.

Please note that this lecture is replacing the published talk "Charles Mackintosh: More Than Just a Tea Room!" as the lecturer has had to pull out.

Mackintosh’s paintings, particularly the delightful watercolours created late in life, are less well-known but add to the story of this gifted couple. In this talk – created as we approach the centenary of Mackintosh’s death in 1928 and the 160th anniversary of his birth – Justin discusses the exteriors and interiors of Mackintosh’s most iconic building commissions, and then introduces the exquisite designs, drawings and landscape paintings of this highly talented artistic couple.

TASH Members & their Guests Only.  Arrive early to enjoy drinks, lunch and great company.

TIMINGS: Morning Lecture & Online @ 10:45 / Afternoon Lecture @ 14:15.

About our Speaker

After officer service in the Royal Navy Justin had a long career in business, latterly as Director of Studies for executive development colleges in Oxford and Washington DC. Retiring from business in 2000, Justin studied the History of Art and Architecture at Oxford. 

While researching for a doctorate in naval history, Justin was invited to become a senior academic manager at the Bodleian Library, advising graduate researchers and editing manuscripts. A qualified teacher, he is a tutor in the History of Art and Classical Studies for independent colleges in Oxford. A member of the AI & Arts Group at the Alan Turing Institute, he recently wrote university preparation courses in academic studies and the history of human creativity and the impact of Artificial Intelligence. 

A Fellow of two learned societies, and a member of TAS West Oxfordshire, Justin is a frequent lecturer for The Arts Society.