Did you guess where I was, up among the rooftops in Glasgow?
Looking down
Maybe this is the clue you need?
The Glasgow Herald Building is known as ‘The Lighthouse’ and was designed by Glasgow-born architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Now Scotland’s Centre of Architecture, Design and the City, it has one floor dedicated to the work of its designer. When I read that I could ascend the tower for views over Glasgow’s rooftops there was never any doubt that I would seek out the building.
The building was Rennie Mackintosh’s first public commission and was built between 1893-1895. A former warehouse, its most prominent feature is the tower, which was designed to contain an 8.000 gallon water tank, to protect the building from fire hazard. When the Herald moved to new premises in the early eighties, it stood unoccupied for 15 years. Thankfully today’s model is as cutting edge as Rennie Mackintosh was in his time.
I entered it in pure excitement. Ascending the escalator to the third floor I marvelled at what I found there. Tiny models of designs of his that were never even completed sat alongside others of his landmark Glasgow buildings. I found myself longing to visit them all.
How sad that this was never built
But this one was- the Glasgow School of Art
There are drawings to examine
Like the plans for ‘House for an Art Lover’, completed after his death
And numerous design details
Rennie Mackintosh admired simple forms and natural materials. In his design he used texture and the contrast of light and shadow. He admired Japanese design but developed his own style, with strong right angles and the decorative floral motifs, with subtle curves, for which he is known. This building and its use of industrial space is a fitting tribute to him.
For me it’s a love affair
Visit The Lighthouse website for a better look at his work. As it says in the video, “each of the properties will tell you a different piece of the story”. Sadly I never did get to climb that tower. It was closed for repairs! But I took the lift to the sixth floor for the rooftop view anyway. You can take a virtual tour of the Mackintosh Centre and the viewing platform on the website (on a much sunnier day than I managed).
I am dedicating this post to Paula. She is not able to delight us with her usual Thursday’s Special this week due to pressure of work and being ill. Get well soon Paula. We miss you!
restlessjo 
A great series about Glasgow – I hope it doesn’t make you too jealous to know that I have been up the tower!
LikeLike
Not too badly 🙂 It was a grey old day anyway. Thanks a lot for reading!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Locating Frankenstein's Brain.
LikeLike
Amazing, Jo. It really is too bad that the amazing building you picture was never built. I’ve studied Art History and love MacKintosh’s simple lines and natural materials. Too bad you couldn’t make it up the tower. At least you’re not so far away, you can go back sometime. I love the view down into the lobby with the red chairs. 🙂
LikeLike
Hi Cathy 🙂 You’ve had a busy morning! I’m starting with the least recent first. It feels so long since Glasgow!!! Isn’t memory a funny thing?
Viveka was talking about a meetup and asked if I could get to Belfast in November. I might try 🙂 She also asked when we were in the Algarve and my head was so full of Poland, I hadn’t booked anything. I have now! We’re there for just a week from 4th June. Vivi’s in Istanbul next week, and meeting Nia. An amazing world this blogging one, isn’t it?
LikeLike
It will be great if you can meet Viveka in Belfast. Always a fun excuse to explore a new place and meet a fellow blogger! I’m so excited you’ve booked for Tavira. I’ll be there in heart!!! 🙂
LikeLike
Jo, a fantastic job with this post and the photos again.
You’re getting so good *smile
I’m not a great fan of Mackintosh – don’t ask me why … because I don’t have a clue, because I like art décor. The lighthouse is truly stunning.
I would visit if only for the house.
Have checked out flights to Glasgow, but there is no flights direct from Copenhagen to Glasgow anymore. Wonder what happen there ????
To Edinburgh there is, so maybe that is the way … fly to Edinburgh and then train to Glasgow.
You have really made me want to visit this.
LikeLike
I posted about Glasgow for more than a week, Vivi. I really did love it and have quite a list to see when I go back. It’s easier once you have your bearings, isn’t it? But then, I can get lost anywhere (and did!)
Love ya, hon. I should be working on my Polish. Panic!!! 🙂
LikeLike
Your Polish will come back when you are there … don’t worry about that.
Glasgow is a terrific city – so much to see and do. Of course you should go back!!!!
Time to pack now ???? Hug … before me washing up.
LikeLike
What an amazing building. Love the tower going through the glass roof.
LikeLike
Glasgow was fantastic architecturally, Dale. I went for the Mackintosh but saw so much more 🙂
LikeLike
Marvelous pictures and what a fantastic place Jo! You take us to the best places… 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks, Meg 🙂 Easter at home for you, or have you gone travelling somewhere? Hope it’s a happy one, wherever you find yourself.
LikeLike
Love CRM’s work but didn’t get to see this last time I was in Glasgow so really enjoyed this post 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks, Tanya 🙂 It was my first port of call because it was so central.
Happy Easter to you! Have you escaped cooking Sunday lunch?
LikeLike
I have indeed! We arrived in England last night and have had a stream of visitors today whilst surrounded by the contents of a large car which need to be packed away. We’reoff to my parents tomorrow for Roast Lamb and lots of being spoilt! Have a wonderful Easter with your loved ones 🙂
LikeLike
These are absolutely beautiful, Jo. What a shame you didn’t get a chance to get to the top! Maybe next time 😉
LikeLike
I did, Dianne 🙂 My previous post has a rooftop shot of the chimney. There was a lift (cheating) to the viewing platform even though the tower itself was closed. Hope you’re having a happy Easter!
LikeLike
AWESOME!!!!
LikeLike
🙂 🙂
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLike
Such beautiful architecture and as usual you’ve captured the beauty so well Jo. Thanks for sharing. 😀
LikeLike
I absolutely love his work, Sonel. I was thrilled to be there. 🙂
LikeLike
Jo what a treat, you really indulged your Macintosh passion on your Glasgow trip 🙂
LikeLike
This was my first stop, Seonaid 🙂 And I loved it!
LikeLike
cara amica, mi stai veramente facendo conoscere angoli bellissimi e molto interessanti di questa città…praticamente è come se la stessi guardando con i miei occhi, quelle vecchie foto hanno piacevolmente attirato la mia attenzione
dove andrai di bello oggi? chissà….:-)
LikeLike
Ventis, it’s that peaceful time of day when I sit with my coffee and marvel at the world (and try to answer your questions 🙂 ) I hope you have a beautiful weekend planned for this very special time of year.
With much affection- Johanna.
LikeLike