Social + Cultural Influences - Charles Rennie Mackintosh

Question 1

1) Style

Answer 1

> Mackintosh was a Scottish architect, designer, water colourist + artist, who’s artistic approach had much in common with European symbolism.

> His work was heavy influential on design movements such as Art Nouveau.

> His iconic style became a contrast of right angles, floral inspired decorative motifs & subtle curves.

Question 2

2) Glasgow

Answer 2

> Mackintosh lived most of his life in Glasgow which, during the industrial revolution had one of the greatest production centres of heavy engineering + ship building in the world.

> As the city prospered, so did the high demand for consumer goods + arts.

Question 3

3) Asia

Answer 3

> Asian style + modernist ideas, also influenced Mackintosh’s designs.

> When the Japanese regime softened and they opened themselves to globalisation, the effect + influence of Japanese design could be felt throughout the world.

> This was also a huge influence on western artists.

Question 4

4) The Glasgow Four

Answer 4

> Mackintosh’s greatest influence was the collaborative relationship with his wife Margaret MacDonald, whose style + attention to detail complemented his.

> Along with her sister Frances, + Herbet McNair, they became known as ‘The Glasgow Four’, exhibiting widely + helping to establish Mackintosh’s reputation.