 |
| House for Art Lovers, Glasgow |
For those who can remember my previous Glasgow post from November last year will know that there is a bit of rivalry between Glasgow and Edinburgh jostling for pre eminence !! I opted for this set here to re - dress the balance of the previous post with some more historical images taken three weeks after the Edinburgh set on 12th April 2010. In the next few posts I intend to show the much underrated qualities of Glasgow and that's not just because both of my parents and all their family originated from the western side of central Scotland ;-)
 |
| Gardens, House for Art Lovers, Glasgow |
The House for Art Lovers is situated next to a Victorian walled garden in Bellahouston Park on the south west edge of the city. It was quite a walk from Ibrox tube station and needed a good street map.
 |
| Rockery, House for Art Lovers, Glasgow |
The origins of this house are most unusual in that it was originally designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh in 1901 with building work commencing in 1989 !!
 |
| Mackintosh's style, House for Art Lovers, Glasgow |
 |
| Window Profile, House for Art Lovers, Glasgow |
A German magazine at the turn of the 20th century held a competition to design a house possibly with a modern twist.
The entry submitted by Charles Rennie Mackintosh was a little late and consequently incomplete by the deadline date and therefore disqualified. However the plans received a special recognition award but unfortunately were never acted upon.
 |
| Patio, House for Art Lovers, Glasgow |
In 1987 a civil engineer (Graham Roxburgh) and an architect (Andrew Macmillan) finally realised the dream to plan the project by choosing the site in Bellahouston Park. The building of the house commenced in 1989 and finally opened 1996 after the traumas of a financial recession when work on the building was stopped for a period of time.
 |
| "Pass the salt please" !! House for Art Lovers, Glasgow |
The plans of the house included the internal decor and furniture which his wife Margaret MacDonald assisted him with.
 |
| Stained Glass, House for Art Lovers, Glasgow |
The Main Entrance Hall although a little dark plays tricks with the eyes as small stained glass windows entice the visitor into the next room (A trait that was used often to confuse and stimulate students in The Glasgow School of Art).
 |
| Dining Room, House for Art Lovers, Glasgow |
On opening the music room doors, the Mackintosh style is to impress the visitor with the contrast of light from the large windows.
 |
| Fireplace design, House for Art Lovers, Glasgow |
 |
| Fireplace design 2, House for Art Lovers, Glasgow |
 |
| Unusual early 20th century keyboard , House for Art Lovers, Glasgow |
The Oval room which includes the shape of the window, cupboards and fireplace was designed for the After Dinner Ladies conversation.
Although mainly a visitor attraction, the building is also used for corporate events, piano concerts and weddings. The house is currently of a shortlist for the "Best Unusual Venue Award" in Scotland.
It was time for me to find my walking feet again and drag them back into the city centre ....
 |
| Foot Sculpture, House for Art Lovers, Glasgow |
