This morning, I visited the Glasgow of School of Art ("GSA"). In architectural terms, this is an iconic building and considered to be one of the most influential and significant structures of the 20th century.

The GSA was founded in 1845. In 1896 the present Mackintosh Building was designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh who worked for the Glasgow architect firm of Honeyman and Keppie. Half of the building was completed in 1899 with the western end finished a decade later in 1909. This staggered completion was due to financial constraints at the time. Mackintosh was 41 years of age at completion.

This building, which still houses the working Art School, has been described as "The only art school in the world where the building is worthy of the subject".

Mackintosh was a graduate of the GSA. Not surprisingly, the School houses extensive Mackintosh and other collections which, together with other archive material, document the history of the GSA and art, design and architecture education since the School was founded in 1845.

The north facade of the building reflects the internal plan and results in a masterpiece of balanced asymmetry. The entrance is at the centre of the building. See this video for a better appreciation.

Entrace to Glasgow School of Art

Side elevation

Labels: Mackintosh.

posted by Nigel Cole @ 2:07 PM