I love the Glasgow School of Art's Mackintosh building. It is such a beautiful building which has been used and loved by generations of art students. Charles Rennie Mackintosh's style is now known all over the world, but there's nothing like a visit to the building to marvel over the beauty of his architecture and design, to remind yourself how great he was.
You don't have to be an art student to go into the building as they run regular tours as well as exhibitions. A couple of weeks ago I visited the Interwoven Connections exhibition which can be found upstairs in the building, in a beautiful light-filled space. The exhibition showcases the library and archive of Stoddard Templeton carpet designers and manufacturers. On display is a wealth of material which was used to inspire their own designers, plus examples of carpet design.
In this photo display I spotted the distinctive artist and playwright John Byrne (i.e. former partner of Tilda Swinton). He's the one wearing a checked jacket. I've been lucky enough to meet him in recent years and can testify that, now over 70, he is still devastatingly charming and handsome.
I loved these abstracted floral designs
The exhibition really is a must for anyone interested in design or in Scotland's famous industries and businesses, which seem to be sadly disappearing. Stoddard Templeton was in existence from 1843 until 2005.
You can view a short film about the exhibition here:
Interwoven Connections: The Stoddard Templeton Design Studio and Design Library, 1843-2005
from The Glasgow School of Art on Vimeo.
I highly recommend visiting the show if you are in Glasgow. It runs until the 11th January 2014 (closed 24th December to 2nd January). The website can be found here.
K x
p.s Anyone who's been a student in Glasgow will likely have a made a trip to the former GSA student union over the road from the Mackintosh building, which was always much cooler than all other unions in the city. It has now been knocked down, along with the building beside it, to make way for this glass-fronted behemoth:
View of the new building from the Mackintosh steps - RIP old union and all your drunken student memories (or lack of memories!)
Looks like a great exhibit! Alas, as a student at Strathclyde, I was too preoccupied with our own 8 bars to make it to anyone else's union lol
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting collection - so glad these things are being collected and archived. Thanks for sharing your photos.
ReplyDeleteI love the flower at 2:32. Thanks for including the video.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous designs - thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing! This exhibition looks great!
ReplyDeleteOoh, that looks good. I'd love to see that - as well as the building. Swoon. I love the Scottish Art Nouveau style. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteI would love to go to this exhibition - so inspiring! Unfortunately it's unlikely I will get to the other end of the country before it's finished, but at least I can enjoy your lovely photographs, thank you!
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